Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?

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  • mamakaren
    mamakaren Member Posts: 225
    edited January 2009

    Tonya, I'm sorry i didn't mean to put Bette's name. I hope you are doing okay.

    Roya: It's nice to have you back on this thread, How are you doing?

    Deanna: Two more weeks Yipppppi! Glad to hear that everything is looking brighter for you. What other treatment will you be taking after rads?

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited January 2009

    Deanna, we have the same number of treatments left.  I also have 2 more weeks to go.  My left breast is now significantly a very deep tan with peeling skin.  I am told that this is par for the course at this stage of radiation txs.  Now that I am peeling they are changing me from aloe vera to something else with less stinging upon application. 

    Hi Tonya.  I am a bit ticked about the excoriation of the skin on my left breast. At the same time I am so very grateful for being able to receive the radiation therapy.  When I think that just a few years ago there was not nearly all the knowledge and treatments available that we have today.....

    Bette, Tom must be an absolute Godsend!  I am so happy for you......making all these wonderful wedding plans.Smile

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  • lisahugs1
    lisahugs1 Member Posts: 126
    edited January 2009

    Hello Ladies,

    I haven'tposted on here in a while,,but have been reading each day, and getting alot of support for my burns. I am soooo grateful for the help I have recieved. This website is a God send. :)

     I had really bad burns from rads,,,that have taken sooo much of my energy.  I feel like a zombie :(  Taking it in strides,,and allowing myself to rest.  I haven't been able to wear a bra in weeks,,,but think by next week I can where my sports bra again.  I like going and excersising. It makes me feel better. I have lost 20 lbs of baby weight since surgery. I love what I see in the mirror,even without boobs LOL. 

    I am taking everything one day at a time. And  only going to take pain meds at night agan like before. I won't need them much longer,,and it'll be a relief to be in the drivers seat again.

    Roya-what did they give you for your burns. I know you already know about Silvadene. So messy,,,,but my gosh it works :)

    Bette-how long until the wedding ? Very exciting :)  The turban is a great idea. I am just wondering if you may have any hair growth by then?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2009

    Pathology reportÑ CLEAN MARGINS,NO LYMPH, NIPPLE, VASCULAR OR SKIN INVOLVEMENT!

    Going to onc next Monday to plan rads treatment. Step by step we are all getting there.

    Bette

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  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited January 2009

    Congratulations Bette on the great path report!  Fantastic news!  Is there some way you can put a tierra on the satin turban to take it up a notch?!  :)

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  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 597
    edited January 2009

    Hi everyone,

      Bette , I love Hood's advice for the tiara on the turban.  How elegant!  Congrats on clean margins!

    Roya and Deanna, you're almost there! Yeah!

    Lisahugs, I hope you recover quickly, sounds like you've had a hard time with your rads.

    Tonya, so sorry about your friend.  My brother had a massive heart attack at 36, and I guess it was just more bad family genes.  Two more attacks later, he still survived, thank God. 

    Mamakaren, hope you are doing well.

    I go to my bs today, I hope to get a date for my surgery.  I really like her, she did my dmil's masectomy 2 yrs ago.

    Hope everyone has a great week!  Deen

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited January 2009

    Lisa, the ointment is called Aquafor and it is over the counter in the USA.  I cut and pasted this info:

    __________________________________________________________

    Aquaphor® Healing Ointment protects skin to help enhance the natural healing process.  Non-irritating and fragrance-free, it is dermatologist recommended for:

    • cracked, dry or chafed skin; and chapped lips
    • minor cuts and burns
    • sensitive skin
    • skin irritations from laser treatments and radiation therapy

    Dermatologist Recommended

    Aquaphor® Healing Ointment From Eucerin®

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  • Tonya36
    Tonya36 Member Posts: 66
    edited January 2009

    Bette...that is a WONDERFUL path report.  THANK GOD!!!  I hope that you are filled with happiness and excitement.  I am glad you and Tom seem so happy.  I vote for the tiara also!!!!

    Deen...I am so glad your brother is doing well.  We just never know what is in store for us.  We must enjoy every moment we have with those that we love.

    Lisa...I am sorry you are so tired.  I didn't have rads but I have heard that it can really zap your energy.  I hope you feel better soon.

    Hello Mamkaren and Roya.  I hope you both are feeling well.

    I have gone back to work part time this week and I am tired but I feel some better.  I go to Onc tomorrow and he will probably order a test.  I am terrified.  I guess this is par for the course but its hard to do.  I will be praying for us all.  Have a wonderful day.

    God Bless,

    Tonya

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  • Corinne6
    Corinne6 Member Posts: 311
    edited January 2009

    Hi everyone, I just got back from the hospital today. I am doing very well. My masectomy was not as bad as I had thought. I had what they call a pain buster. It was like having novacaine so I didn't feel anything. The drain comes out Monday as well as the pathology report. Can you believe that I had a breast off and was on the maternity wing???? My roomate had a hysterectomy and we both thought it was rather crazy for us to be on that floor. However, they took good care of the both of us.

    Bettelou. How wonderful about your path report.

    Everyone  I will write tomorrow when I have more time. I love you all and God bless

    Corinne

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  • lisahugs1
    lisahugs1 Member Posts: 126
    edited January 2009

    Thankyou Roya, you are always so helpful.  I actually was using that in thwe begining, and it was working great. Then they gave me the Lidocain Hydrochloride 2%  which is for pain relief....that was good too. But then it got so bad.  Which you already know.  I am sooooo happy to hear your doing better than I did :)  I don't want to see anyone go thru that.  Glad to hear your doing good.

    Deanne-so glad to hear you are pushing along, and almost done :) Your compassion will Always be remembered,thankyou. Your in my prayers.

    Tonya- thank you,,,almost healed up :) Sooooo excited to be able to work out again.  I will say a prayer for you too,,,may peace surround you and fill you whereever you are. Don't let that fear get you,,,you've come this far and you are under His mighty grace .

    Corrine-always looking for the spiritual in things that happen. What a blessing for you to be Surrounded by New Life,,,and such  joy.  :) How neat. Also  being around other women too. I am seeing a blessing in there for you, a reminder who really is watching over you :)  Hugs

    Bette- He's not going to let you down,,,,ever :)

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  • mamakaren
    mamakaren Member Posts: 225
    edited January 2009

    Corrine, I'm glad your doing good. What a blessing

    tonya, I know it's hard not to worry but trust that you will be fine and you will. Prayers go out to you.

    Bette, SOOOO happy for you!

    Deen - Roya~ Hope you are doing good.

    I got results from the other breast and it's GOOD! So happy I just wanna be happy and go forward I know i still have about 9 months left of treatment but I feel such a relief. Lots of prayers and best wishes to all us Hotties!

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  • lisahugs1
    lisahugs1 Member Posts: 126
    edited January 2009

    Karen-so happy to hear your good news :) I  go next week for my rediagnosis.  Have a CAT scan and bonescan next week, then see my ONC. I can say I am more excited than worried, because I might not have any more treatments after this. I think maybe a little nervous without any treatments because its been 6 months of everything.   I really am happy for you :) Your excitement has sent out good spirits of hope,,thankyou.  And I do feel like a hottie. Its a trip. Boobless, hair like a boy, no boobs,  burns on my chest,,and I still like what I see in the mirror LOL.  Thank God for peace:)

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  • mamakaren
    mamakaren Member Posts: 225
    edited January 2009
    Lisahugs1~ You are so sweet and you are a Hottie! You are a beautiful person inside and out, that's why you have so much inner peace with yourself. Let us know how everything goes with the scan. I hope you don't need those extra treatments. Lots of love,  KarenKiss
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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited January 2009

    Bette, things are working out soooo well for you.  God does answer our prayers!!!!

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited February 2009

    Lisa, please keep us posted. Hope that burn on your chest is healing well and not giving you a lot of stress.

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  • lisahugs1
    lisahugs1 Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2009

    Thankyou Karen,life is a bit scarey for me right now,,and you have reminded me about who I really am in difficult times.  I pray you have peace too :) An abundance of love and peace :)

    Roya-How Are You ??  :)  My burns are healing good.  I don't think I will have any scars ,and if so minimal :)  Things are pushing along. I have better insite on how I want my life to look. My moms really helping me to see a bigger picture. She had 3 children on her own and put herself thru nursing school. So she' s been here, done this :) She wants us by her so bad, and I have alot more peace about it all.  I will be taking back what God has intended me to have. :)

     I got poked in the eye last night by baby Ella LOL.  Amazing how little pokes seem so silly now,,compared to what were all going thru :) 

    I am sooo grateful for this website. I have gotten soooo much support and insite.  I couldn't imagine what it was like for women (and men)  before internet :(  Very sad. This feels like a life line for me sometimes. I thank God for ALL He's given me.   And ALL of you :)

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  • alibug05
    alibug05 Member Posts: 182
    edited February 2009

    Glad everyone is getting good reports and is feeling good - Besides the burning that some of you are experiencing and that just sucks!!!  I am still feeling great and like most of you feel like I look pretty good too - boy hair and all!!!!!!  I go Thursday for my check-up with my breast doctor - alittle nervous but anxious to get it over with!!!!!!   I know you all send all those good vibes and they seem to be working so send some my way for Thursday's appointment!!!   Loves to all..............................

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited February 2009

    I'm BAAAAck!!

    Hey Girls, back home from the cruise, tanned and relaxed.  I had my wig off the entire time.  I loved it!!!  I sported a cute little European look.  I never took more than 5 minutes to get ready!!  So, I have made the decision to come home and go back to work without it.  I think it is time to move on.  I am nervous about going back to school tomorrow, but I am going to send out a message to the staff telling them to respect my privacy after going through this health scare.  I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow night.  I hope I sleep tonight.  This reminds me of then I went back for hte first time wtih the wig.

    So, it looks like everyone is doing well here.  Sounds like the surgeries are done and over with for everyone.  Alibug, good luck with your appt on Thursday.

    I will try to post a picture later this week so you can check me out!!

    ~Misty

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  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited February 2009

    Misty1, You have to post a new avatar with your cute European & tanned look!  I bet you're gorgeous!  I took a cruise with my family & friends (previously planned) after my mx and before starting chemo.  It was lovely!  Do you do facebook?  A lot of us BCO gals are on there.  I'm trying to post pix of my cruise on there.  Take care!

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited February 2009

    Alibug, I agree with you about the 'boy hair.'  All the avatars sporting the short short hair are so cute.  Sending you positive vibes for your check up!

    Hood, what does 'BCO' mean? 

    Misty, welcome BAAAAck!Cool Congrats on your decision to go wigless!  Looking forward to seeing your new avatar.

    Corrine, hope you are feeling better everyday.

    Here, I am still experiencing stinging from all the skin excoriation from the rads but my doc says that there is new baby skin showing underneath it all and with just 6 more treatments to go, all is well. Hard to believe that all treatments and chemo will be done next week!!!!! I won't get my reconstruction till June. 

    I am soooooooo grateful!!!!

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  • lisahugs1
    lisahugs1 Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2009

    Hello Ladies :)

    As far as I have read we are done with chemo...or almost there :)  So I think this is ok (appropriate to post).    My brothers roomate (in his 20's)  has just passed away last night.  He had testicular cancer,  and was going thru chemo.  He had a heart attack from chemo  (only like 2 in) :(  I am unsure if had been drinking and smoking during all this ? My brother is a pretty big partier, so I would be surprised if that lifestyle had changed much for his roomate.  I got a phonecall from my mom and she's pretty upset.  Talk about having some stuff thrown right at you.

     I am SUCH a believer in Gods MIGHTY hand. I believe when He calls YOUR name,,,He shows you who is in charge.  everything happens for a reason. I am sorry that this has happened. I a soooooooo grateful we have ALL made it thru somethat that could have done the same thing to us :( And I know in my heart that God is working on my family. There are NO coincidences here.  What a thing for my 26 yr old brother to go thru,,,and now have to have those thoughts about his own sister.:(   BUT in ALL bad there is good. And I will be praying this all brings him closer to the one that made us. Because we ALL know how much we need Him now :) And that maybe he'll stop smoking and drinking too. Please pray for HUGE revalations for my brother (and of course peace),,and his roomates family.  Gosh  I am really feeling gratitude.  

    I didn't want to frazzle anyone about the chemo....I haven't personally heard anything like this,,,but know now that Chemo is No Joke ,,,,and we are all soooooo blessed.   Love to all my BC sisters.  Lisa

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  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited February 2009

    Hi Roya,  BCO=Breast Cancer Organization  I use it to mean all the wonderful ladies, including the Aug Hot Baldies, that I have met on these boards.  Stacy (aka Mommy3abm) got me to start on Facebook.

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited February 2009

    Lisa, I am so sorry about the passing of your brother's roomate.  You are right, the chances of dying from receiving chemo are very rare.  I would think of it as a bad reaction and that can and does happen with any medication.  We never know whether we will be allergic.   

    I think of it like this.  We had a better chance of dying without receiving the chemo than we had by receiving it.  Yes, we are all soooooo blesssed!

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited February 2009

    Okay, I am home after work and going to the gym today wigless!!  I did it!!  It was much more emotional than I thought it would be.  I sent out an e-mail telling everyone I was coming with a different look after a health scare and to respect my privacy.  Of course, the ones I am closest to made me cry when I saw them, but I held it together.  The kids just thought I got my hair cut real short!!  I was so happy when the day was over.  I will definitely sleep better tonight.

    Roya-I am so happy you are almost done!!  What is your next step?

    Alibug-you look gorgeous!!

    Lisa, sorry to hear about your brother's roommate.  Yes, we are all lucky to have gotten through the chemo without too many problems.

    Have a nice night, ladies!!

    ~Misty (I will post a pic when I have more time this week.)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2009

    Hello all!

    I just slept for two days straight after returning from my surgery trip to Baltimore. I forget if I posted this, but I fell at my daughter's house and bruised my shoulder and ribs on my Mx side, Had to go to ER to get checked out. Left arm hurts to move. Just tried knitting and couldn't.

    Still have one drain in, which doesn't seem to be slowing down. Have another trip to MD next week to get it checked.

    My hair really started to grow while I was away. Will post a new avatar soon. Hard to take self-portrait with only one arm!

    Misty, A cruise would sound lovely right now! I would definitely not wear my wig. I am thinking of starting to go wigless, but it is so cold here that I need something on my head to keep it warm .

    Went to oncologist yesterday and am setting up appointment with rads. Here we go on phase 3 of treatment. Recon is a long way off for me!

    Lisa, sorry about your brother's roommate. That is scary.

    Roya, way to go with being almost done with rads.

    Have a nice day!

    Bette 

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  • lisahugs1
    lisahugs1 Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2009

    Bette---I was soooo waiting for you to say you were almost reading to go wigless. Good for you :)  Its sooo liberating to go without,when your ready to do it :)  I would loveeeeee to see you go wigless, hatless for your wedding ?  I know for myself when I got my pics done with my baby (with very little hair, and very intimidating)  it was the greatest feeling of... I am a survivor,,,and here to take care of my baby.  That will be a pic that  will always be in the family I am sure of it.  Maybe that too can be a direction you want to go in.   You are a beautiful women,,and just a bit of hair makes such a difference.  Of course if your still waiting,,the turban sounds wonderful too. Its great to have options at this point :)

    I am pushing along,,figuring out how to establish myself without hubby (atleast for now).  I am so good at reasourcing I am giddy with so much new info :)

    Glad to hear everyone is doing good.    When life gives us lemons  MAKE lemonade :)  I have adopted that saying for now :)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2009

    Good evening all!

    Presenting my new avatar with the minimal hair look!

    Do I dare go out like this?

    Bette 

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  • alibug05
    alibug05 Member Posts: 182
    edited February 2009

    Yes bettelou68 YOU DO DARE TO GO OUT LIKE THAT!!!! I think you look wonderful - not that my opinion is the only one that matters BUT who cares what people think - you are alive, have a great man in Tom and are getting ready to get married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Congrats!!  Sorry about your fall though - that couldn't have been easy!!!  Good luck healing!!!!  Misty1 can't wait to see pictures!!! Lisahugs1 your picture couldn't be any more gorgeous!!!!   Tomorrow is the big day - check-up with my breast doctor - still alittle nervous but I am sure I will be fine!!!  Loves to all..............

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited February 2009

    Bette, you will be a beautiful bride.  Remember, your hair will be a bit longer on your wedding day.  My hair is about that long and I am already  'going out like this'.  You will soon notice that lots of women are wearing this look.......with or without BC.    I feel sooooooo free without those wigs! 

    Alibug, my positive thoughts are with you for tomorrow!

    Misty, I have 4 more rads boosts to go then I am done. The boosts concentrate on the area around the scar tissue.   My breast almost looks like it was roasted to a crisp.  Then, in June,  I get the corrective surgery.  This is elective surgery but my insurance is willing to pay now that I have had a lumpectomy.  The docs are making me wait a year for healing.  June will mark a year from my lumpectomy.

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited February 2009

    Okay, Girls...  Here I am!!  I am loving this short look.  I never thought I would ever go this short.  It sounds like a lot of us are now coming out of the wigs!!  I am much more comfortable at school.  Everyone has been very good about respecting my privacy.

    Bette, you need to go as is!!  You are beautiful.

    I remember when Robin Roberts took off her wig on tv-she played a song called "I Am Not My Hair."  I keep saying that to myself.

    Have a good night!!

    ~Misty

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