Starting Chemo May 2008

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited January 2009
    Okay, I just had a moment on FB as I was responding to someone's comment about one of my aunt's recent bc diagnosis.  My moment was realizing that my risk, too, has now gone up.  Shit.  Now I have a maternal and a paternal aunt with bc, not to mention all the other cancers (uterine, stomach, I'm sure I'm forgetting one) that have been on both sides of the family, including my father!  Shit, shit, shit.
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  • ranD
    ranD Member Posts: 373
    edited January 2009

    Cristine...whoa, you can pile on more shite then anyone I know!!!lol

    Ok, thought I already posted, but it never "STUCK"  LOne story short, waste of my time.  He didn;t even talk treatment other than a 10 day hospital stay to seal my pluera so I won;t ge more filllings.  ALso let us know that i have anywhere from 30 days to a year.  WOW how freaking reasuring is that???lol  It was great, now I am all fired up at someone and I actaully am breathing better and eating more.

    Tomorrow I se the onc and she what she thinks is the course to follow.  I will be pushing for a very aggressive course adn my hubby will also be pissed and loaded for bear.

    My attitude is better, my mom will be here on friday, so that's good.    I was praying hard last night and trying to not cry when I flipped over to a Christian video station.  I used the inages and music and scripture to really talk to God.  I dumped it all on HIm (he does have bigger shoulders then any of us) and asked for help to get thru and past this.  After I was done, I opened my eyes and there on the screen were the words"EXPECT A MIRACLE" Awesome!!!  THat is my new mantra.  WHenever I a short of breathe, I act as is it is all done with and I am now moving around a little more.  I seriously needed to remember to stop asking and just realize He wants what is best for me and just acept that nothing is out of the realm of possibility,.  30 days my ass....

    Hope this wasn;t too preachy, I just wanted t share it with you all...

    thaks for the prayers nd thoughts, love you, ran

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited January 2009

    Not too preachy at all, Randie (and this from someone with a very, very low preachiness threshold).  What great words to open your eyes to.  I totally believe there are all kinds of miracles, big and small, and they sometimes take unexpected forms.

    And you know what I'm thinking about that pulmonologist?  I'm thinking he should stick to pulmonology and leave oncology to the oncologists. 

    Hope today's appointment goes well - you know we'll all be thinking of you.

    Linda

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited January 2009

    Christine, how sweet of your daughter and good thing you helped her to understand. It can be very difficult for a little one to loss a pet. Heck, even for us old farts.

    Thanks for the b-day wishes. It's Friday and I have that big comedy gig that I won on the radio to celebrate it at. Can't wait!

    Randie, thinking of you love. And I do believe in miracles. Gotta go frost treats I'm taking to the office. 

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited January 2009

    RanD-WOW!  I believe in miracles too.  I am praying hard that you receive one and in a big way.  I agree with Linda-don't listen to the pulmo-listen to your onc. My Mom lived 2 years longer than they said she would-they really can't put a time limit.  You are in my thoughts sister!

    Getting ready to go out and fight this ice.  I would rather stay home, but that would just prolong it all.  After today, just 12 more to go. Maybe these hot flashes will melt the ice! 

    Got a question those of you who have hair now-how long after you finished chemo before it really started growing?  I have some on top and around my ears, but slick everywhere else.  It has been almost 2 months since my last chemo and I am beginning to think that it is never going to grow back!

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  • JulieC
    JulieC Member Posts: 324
    edited January 2009

    RanD - will be thinking about you today.  Don't worry about sounding preachy.  It might give others inspiration and we will always listen to what anyone here says.  I just know the onc will have better information for you.  We take the miracles, large or small, as they come our way.

    Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Mary, Happy birthday to you.  Happy early birthday Mary!  It sounds like you have a fun evening planned.  Get away from this place for a little while and enjoy yourself!

    Eddie - love your straightforward posts.  Keep on posting!

    Cris - sorry to hear about the loss of your bird.  That is so hard for the little ones.  I hope you can make a decision about your job.  I left my job in Sept 07 because I had enough of pretty much everything.  I had been there 2 months short of 20 years and I was just so stressed out.  I hadn't taken much time off to be with my girls except the maternity leave and I was going to be a stay at home mom, even though they didn't stay home anymore.  Then In January 08 I started all of this mess.  Now I'm done with my treatment, but just don't know if I can go back anywhere.  I love being able to get them going in the morning and to just be available for them.  My little one (she's actually 10) was sick at school last week and when the school called I was able be there in about 10 minutes.  Do you have something else that you are looking into?  I know you will make the right decision for you and your family.  I keep reading how stress can cause cancer and you do stop and go back to what you were doing before.  I know of at least one other woman who worked at my company who was diagnosed about the same time.

    Gracie - be careful out there in the ice.  How much did you have?  We had about 8" of snow and the kids were home - again - yesterday.  You asked about hair.  My last chemo was July 29 and I stopped wearing my bandanas and hats October 1.  I said I looked like a sock monkey.  After that it really took off and looks like I planned it this way.  It finally started getting curly and I don't mind it at all.  I had a girl scout meeting last week and my hair was all the rave.  I haven't cut or colored it yet - not sure how either of those would work.  I have this gray spot right in front that everyone keeps telling me how people pay good money to have highlights like that.  Me too - chemo was about $60,000 - the most expensive perm I've ever hadSmile.  Just be patient, it will come back!

    Noelle - can we go back and talk about exfoliation again?  I have little white bumps on the palm of my right hand which only show up when my hands have been wet for awhile (shower or dishes).  They don't itch or hurt.  Has anyone seen this?  I'm trying to decide if it could be some residual SE from chemo or if it is just related to winter.  Back to exfoliation - is it okay to use those products on your hands?  Thanks for the info.  I'd be glad to order something from you to try.

    Best wishes to everyone going to or waitng for treatment, results, etc. today.  I go see they gyn tomorrow.  Hope she can help get me back on track.  I don't feel like doing anything these days.  Again, don't know if it is weather related or this is just the new normal.

    Thanks for listening,

    Julie

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited January 2009

    RanD~ what do you mean 30 days to a year???????? I really hope I am misinterpreting that.

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  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited January 2009

    30 days to a year?  WTF???  That pulmonologist needs a meeting with the Boobbitt Brigade.  Please let us know how your visit with the Onc goes today.  We are all sitting outside the office doors sending you powerful positive vibes.

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited January 2009

    Ladies, I think it's time to break out the shovels.  No, not for all that snow--I mean, for RanD's pulmonologist.  I think the guy's being a jerk.  Yes, leave the oncology to the regular oncologists.

    My only contact with a pulmonologist was when my dad was in the hospital with a broken hip.  Dad uses a C-PAP machine for sleep apnea.  The hospital pulmonologist said "the law" required that Dad use a C-PAP provided by the hospital--he wasn't allowed to use his own machine.  (We found out later that was not true.)  We told the pulmonologist that it had taken several tries and a long time to find a C-PAP mask that fit Dad's face properly ... but the pulmonologist basically told us to quit meddling in his business.

    An hour or so later, a nurse brought in the C-PAP machine Dad was supposed to use that night.  It was old, and the mask was dry and cracked.  Dad put it on, and it didn't fit at all--but the nurse insisted it was sized properly and was the one he had to wear, even though his own was in the closet in his room.

    I napped in a chair in the room with him that night, and he slept fitfully.  Air whistled and squeaked around the edges of the poorly fitting mask all night long.  He refused to wear it after that.  So much for what I think of pulmonologists.

    That's enough stories.  I have to go back and take notes so I can catch up here.  See ya in a little while!  (Roxi, Happy Birthday tomorrow!)

    otter 

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  • ranD
    ranD Member Posts: 373
    edited January 2009

    Pulmo just called....he siad the onc wants to start chemo asap...yeah!!!  But, he wanted me in the hospital to do the plueral sealing and I woudl be home in 10 days.  Tokd him nope, I want chemo and won;t a good result cause less fluid to occur?  He just hemmed and hawed.  he had also scheduld me for a lung drain with him at 11 this morning, and I told him that I decided no.  he wanted to know why and I said that I actually felt better,a nd he laughed....sonafabitch I hate that guy.....

    So, looks like I find out when the port goes in...any advice since you all know my needle thingie...lol...

    back to being mommy after I finsh my fb)  ran

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited January 2009

    Like I said ... shovel time.  Sue, are you up for this?  Seems to me, you've led the shovel brigades in the past.

    otter 

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  • revkat
    revkat Member Posts: 763
    edited January 2009

    I may not be a May girl, but I am so in on a shovel brigade for Randie's pulmo. Don't they teach them the first week of med school "NO LAUGHING AT PATIENTS", not to mention "YOU DON"T KNOW HOW LONG PEOPLE WILL LIVE". Ok, I'm done shouting. But along with your May buddies, I worried about you, Randie, the whole time we didn't hear from you and I am holding you in my thoughts today. Hope the meeting with the onco goes well and gets you a plan for the (many, many) days and months and years ahead!

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  • JulieC
    JulieC Member Posts: 324
    edited January 2009

    Otter - my shovels are out and at the ready for anything - snow or nasty pulmo's.  I just can't believe that person calls himself a doctor who wants to help others.

    Still thinking about you RanD!

    Julie

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  • MsKarin
    MsKarin Member Posts: 647
    edited January 2009

    Wow, so much is going on here. Don't have time to comment, plus not sure what to say. So I will just say thinking of you all.

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  • ranD
    ranD Member Posts: 373
    edited January 2009

    Hey everyone... I just love my shovel brigade. Okay, putting my plan in action, today's miracle is that I took a morning nap, woke up and actually felt normal for a bit.  I took a long shower, got dressed and altho I did have SOB moments, it came back pretty quick.....who hooo...off to the onc's office. ran

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited January 2009

    Good luck RanD...keep us posted. Fists and Shoevls up!

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  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited January 2009

    Revkat, I'M NOT DONE SHOUTING!!!!   I went to bed in tears last night but woke up this morning with flames coming out of my ears. WTF!!!!! I cannot believe RanD's run of..luck(?) with medical help. He LAUGHED when you said you were feeling better??????  ARE YOU SERIOUS????  RanD, do the port thing..it was the best decision I ever made. I thought I would get creeped out by needles toward the end when my resolve was diluting daily, and I was right. The port took the heebeejeebees away. I am so proud of your bull-by-the-horns approach, Ran. I'm hanging on there as well. XXX

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  • angelsaboveus
    angelsaboveus Member Posts: 298
    edited January 2009

    RanD,

    Just wanted  to let you know I've got my Voodoo Doll for "ignorant doctors" out and I'm poking the stuffing out of it!!!!

    Good luck with the onc. I'm thinking about you !

    PS, like Kerry said , the port worked out great for me too. Very short procedure to get it put in, and since then don't even know it's there. When they access it , it's just a little needle prick and your done. 

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  • Jeano77
    Jeano77 Member Posts: 237
    edited January 2009

    RanD - I am a huge believer in signs . . . and you could not have received a more powerful sign than "EXPECT A MIRACLE" . . . specifically after praying!  I expect nothing less than a miracle for you.  Now to find my shovel, I am joining the brigade and looking for that a$$hole of a doctor.

    Your in my constant prayers.

    Jean

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  • ranD
    ranD Member Posts: 373
    edited January 2009

    Thanks, just back from onc and dinner with hubby.. who hoo 2 dates in a row...feeling spoiled!

    Okay, bottom line is I start chemo on Thursday.  SOme carboplatimum thingie (Bob has my notes and he just took Zach to youth group) and something that starts with geo...blah blah blah...

    I will be on 2 weeks, off one, she wants to do 3 cycles and then scan me, and go from there.

    She was a little surprised that I didn't like the pulmo from hell...go figure.  Anyway, I will be getting a port, but they are not sure if it will be in before the first chemo...I hope so!

    Anyway, guess what I am doing now?  Taking an online test to go on Jeopardy!!! Wish me luck..

    oh, almost forgot, she said that worst case maybe 2 1/2 years...so now more 30 days for me.  She couldn't believe he said that.  She siad for lung cancer that could be true, butmets are usually no that fast...

    toodles,ran

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  • ranD
    ranD Member Posts: 373
    edited January 2009

    aw,,, just hearing chemo gives me chemo brain!! forgot to tell you the news...pulse ox was u to 98%....another miracle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited January 2009

    Oh, YAY, RanD!  On all counts--YAY!  (I'm sure rock will be able to think of something more profound than that when she stops in.)

    Your pulse ox is higher than mine usually is.  (I forget to breathe I guess!  LOL.)  See, we told you to trust your real onco and not that imposter pulmo one.  All he knows is about people with lung cancer--sounds like that's where his stats were from.

    It's cr*p to have to do chemo all over again, but, it sounds like they're giving you the real deal (not that it wasn't last time).  And, it sounds like your onco has this under control and knows what to do.  That means sooooo much--being able to trust that a doc has seen this stuff before and is comfortable handling it (and we're comfortable working with him/her).

    I didn't have a port either, but if I needed to do chemo again--especially if I wasn't sure how many tx's it would be--I would lobby for a port.  My chemo nurses used the veins in my right hand, and ... guess what?  I'm right-handed.  So, I was basically one-handed during my 3-1/2 hr infusions, and it wasn't even my strong hand.  Page-turning, playing with my iPod, even eating a cup of pudding was tough.  Forget knitting.  I think the port will be better for you.

    Hugs, RanD.  ((((((RanD))))))  You have such a good family surrounding you, and you know we'll all be here for you to lean on when that chemo yuckiness develops.  And, we'll even swim back across the river to be by your side.

    otter 

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited January 2009

    YAAAAYYYYYYY! finally some good news RanD! Sux about more chemo, hopefully this stuff won't be as hard on you. YAY I'm so excited for a better doc! :O)

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  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited January 2009

    I've been checking in every hour to hear that news, RanD. (My hub is worried that I'm becoming one of THOSE Internet wives!) I had another little cry..so thanks very much for that. It's just such great news..never thought I'd say that to someone starting chemo..AGAIN. Way to go with the port, too. It's just one less thing to worry about. If you get on Jeopardy I'll pee my pants ON OPRAH!! Oh imagine going on Jeopardy and winning big.. what a thing for Cancer-Girl to do!! I'm so proud of you RanD...none of us would be dead for quids! XXXX

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited January 2009

    oh RanD I've got a lot to say. I am sooo glad the onco is optimistic!

    I am tired and am on FB chat with an old friend whose wife is dying of MS. He knew before he married her about her diagnosis, but she is nearing the end and he is falling apart.

    Jean and all the chemo curlies I will set u all up. I will find out tomorrow about shipping the Deva stuff from the US. 

    Jackie, I will send u pics of my hair at 2 months. Don't worry, it will come. 

     Tomorrow is mine. I have to work, but I can workout too.. yay snowshoeing! 

     Someone asked about exfoliation and I will get to that answer tomorrow! 

      love to all !

     N 

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited January 2009

    oh.. and for lungs and athsma and couphs and such.. spray a little of the Muscle Mist I sent you on your chest and let it dry.. it will give some temp relief..

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited January 2009

    Randie - Well, apparently you're no stranger to shit either.  DAMN.  What is wrong with pulmo dude??!  Somebody slap him HARD with a shovel - I'm the closest to you, I think, so it might as well be me.  Duck, here it comes - BLAM!!!  There.  Don't we all feel better, I know I do.  It sounds like you're going to be on Carboplatin (I was on that) and Gemzar (something they use for metastatic bc - oooo, I hate writing that).  Definitely sounds like your onc is on the ball.  I think the Carbo was the main cause of my low platelets (nothing you can do about that one) and the weird taste issues I had.  That one only lasted for about a week after the first round and it never got that bad again.  But, we are all different.  So glad about your awesome pulse ox!!  We will continue to expect miracles.

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited January 2009

    RanD--you deserve to be spoiled, over and over again!  Good luck with Jeopardy.  I really hate that you have to do chemo again, but we are all here for you, every step of the way! 

    Roxi-HAPPY BIRTHDAY--hope that you have a great one!

    Thanks for the pic Noelle-I know that I am getting impatient about the hair, but I will be going back to work soon and I hate the thought of having to wear my wig or scarf.  (Wouldn't wear anything if I didn't have to deal with so many resident's family members).

    Happy Friday Everyone!

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited January 2009

    in the all the talk of mets I have been thinking about eyesotex/Dana who hasn't posted in a long time..Morning everyone!

     xoN

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited January 2009

    Happy Birthday, to you!  Happy Birthday to you!   Happy Birthday, dear Roxi, Happy Birthday to you!   .... and many MORE.

    otter (blushing 'cause she can't sing) 

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