Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

Since my plastic surgeon told me I had to wait 6 months post-radiation for reconstruction, I'm getting my port removed by my breast surgeon. He's doing it under local anesthetic a couple weeks after my last treatment.

Firni, my oncologist never mentioned the dark nail polish. I considered using a dark color throughout treatment and hindsight, it might have worked because my toenails got a little sore but they don't show near the damage. Might have something to do with wearing closed-toed shoes and them rarely being exposed to light?

Tricia, I hear you on the weakness. I have always been BIG into exercise and healthy diet. Now I can barely move and since nothing tastes good, I don't care what I eat. All that will change in a few weeks. I can't wait to reclaim my life!

Mary, Monument usually gets the worst of the storms.  North Metro where I am doesn't seem to get as much.  Altho, IN is no walk in the park either for winter and spring.

I don't know if it's the light or chemicals in the polish.  I'm using Hard as Nails now and there has been no progression in my nail beds except for the pain.  I tried just clear polish and that did not help.  I don't know if Hard as Nails can be clear and block the light.  I hate to put something dark on my finger nails coz they're cut so far back and stubby now. As long as it's status quo I'm good.

Hi ladies,

This is just a quick note to let you know that I had my exchange and port removal yesterday and feel almost normal today.  I took half a Vicodin before leaving the hospital and no pain meds since.  Surgery always aggravates my asthma, so that's my biggest issue today.  The plastic surgeon had planned to do a lift on my right side too, but decided once he got me on the operating table that I wouldn't be happy with the results.  Since there was no signed consent form for an implant, he left that side alone.  I guess we can decide later whether to do the implant, probably after radiation when I know if there is damage to my new implant on the left.  At this point I'm wrapped up and won't know how things look for a few days.  Take care and enjoy the weekend. 

~Bonnie

I saw the PS yesterday.  Everything he said is healing well.  He also told me that the cyst he removed was just that a cyst.  I was pretty sure that was all it was, but you know how we let our minds wonder.  He also said that if I was going to have the nipple done he would not do anything until after the summer.  He said my body has been through so much, now it is time just to heal.  H e said to think about it and that there is 3 different ways he can do it.  Has anyone had this done yet? or are going to?

My mom had her scans and things are looking ok right now.  The cancer has not spread and the fluid in her lung has decreased a little bit.  He said she can go for 1 more tx (which will make 6) and that would be all.  I just hope that this makes her comfortable.  But she also asked when she can return to Florida.  I really do not think she can live on her own anymore, but it may take her trying to do it for herself.  Well we will see.  She is totally amazing though, she has a very strong will.

Well I hope everyone is enjoying your weekend.  The weather in NY feels like a fall day not spring, it is very windy and chilly.  I am hoping tomorrow will be warmer.  Bring on SPRING!!!!

Love to all,

Colleen

Colleen, if your mom insists on going home, see if she'll allow home health to come in a couple times a week to check on her.  That will set your mind at ease and help her out as well.  I will eventually have nipples done.  I know my PS does a graft for the nipple and for the areola.  Beyond that, I don't know.  He really hasn't said any more.  He likes to address what's going on now and not even bring up anything else.

Texas, I know waiting for that final tx is ridiculous.  You're so mentally ready to be done and knowing that those SEs are going to hit all over again, it's hard to want to have that last Tx.  I do have to say that I'm feeling better faster after the final Tx.  I know it's mental.  Coz the SEs that I do have are huge and they are going to run their full course of at least 3 weeks.  Knowing it's the last time tho seems to make a difference for me. Only a couple days now till you are done too.

Bonnie, did your PS tell you before the surgery that he might not do the lift?  It's a little unsettling to think that he's making decisions about your body without you.  I hope you're happy with the results tho when you get unwrapped.  It probably is smart to wait until after rads and make whatever adjustments are needed to both sides at the same time.  

Thanks Caroline for the update on Elaine.  I'm glad she's doing good. 

Texas - You're finally there!  Only 1 more!  We're all standing proud behind you!

Colleen - I am so happy to hear your mother is doing better.

Happy Monday! 

Colleen - I had my nipples done 2+ weeks ago and today had the stitches removed and the ok to do whatever I want exercise wise.  They look awesome but the PS said they eventually will flatten out - who cares!!  I scheduled my tattoo sessions and start those in 3 weeks for 3-4 sessions.  When I look in the mirror it just looks so much better than just those scars across my chest.  Just my personal preference as I know lots of us choose not to reconstruct at all.  My SO has been so patient and supportive and he likes the new girls so I feel I am doing something for him also.  I do have some tips for anyone who has nipple recon in their future so post on here when you are ready to undergo that last step.  I read everyday but have not been posting much as work is crazy and by nightime(like now) I'm just wiped out.  Luck and love to all the December survivors - I couldn't have done this without all your support, suggestions and love.

Bobbi

Bobbi, I'll be interested in all of your tips. My reconstruction is not until the end of the year, so if it's okay I'll PM you too so I don't forget.

Lisa, I hear you on the nails. Several of mine are black, and the rest are white beneath the nail which tells me they are no longer resting on the nail bed. I'm also babying them like crazy, but after all we've been through, I've come to peace with losing them if I must. Like my hair, they'll grow back.

Lisa, What a drag about your nails.  I would have thought at this point you would be done with the surprises.  Here I am not quite 3 weeks from my last Tx and wondering why I still feel like crap.  I guess I'd better relax a little.  I cut my nails REAL short so they can't catch on anything.  I never had short nails before.  I'm still getting used to the look.  How is your hair doing at two months out?

Firni my hair is growing in...I just stopped shaving it about 5 weeks ago! LOL  It is probably close to a 1/4 of an inch.  I updated my photo...but it is hard to tell!

Mary my eyelashes and eyebrows are starting to come back in!  yeah!

 Oh and snow...I'm so sick of it!!!!  We got a couple inches over night and are due for about 6 more! 

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say that I'm thinking of all of you and wishing you a good week with as little discomfort as possible.

I'm about 6 weeks out from last Tx and have about a quarter inch of hair that is still filling in.  My nails are brittle and soft, but otherwise intact.  Exchange surgery was last Friday and I'm a little disappointed that the lift was not done because my chest is still uneven.  PS wants to do a small implant on the right side in a couple of weeks, but I have decided to wait until after radiation, which should start in 2-3 weeks.  It is possible that the new foob will drop enough to even things out or that there will be damage from rads that will require surgery anyway.  Anyway, I'm happy to have the implant -- it's nice and soft and looks great and also thrilled to have the chemo port gone, but still a little bummed that things didn't go quite as expected.  Take care.

~Bonnie

Checking in ladies: the last treatment almost didn't happen! My white blood count was pretty low. I had to promise to add a 3rd Neulasta shot to my schedule this week then the infusion began. I had quite the parade of people leading to the front desk for me to ring the bell. Then there were lots of hugs and words of encouragement. I love the nurses at my oncologist's office.

My hair's about 1/2 inch. I can still see plenty of bald. Can't wait for the return of eyelashes!!!!!

WOOOO HOOOOOO! Congratulations Grancy! Simvog, your day is coming SOON

Grancy11 - Congratulation on finishing chemo!

Texas357: thank you! I am counting the days.

Lisasayers: I am more terrified for loosing my nails than my hair! I hope yours come back soon and no pain!

I am day 4 after TX4 and I am tired and have bone pain, but I can manage without pills. I also had some tingling in my left hand and foot but not for long and only on the 3^rd day. My last dose was cut to 60 mg since the one before was 100 mg and it was supposed to be only 80 mg. Unfortunately my blood is not good. I am borderline anemic but the white count is high to 6.8. I just hope I can manage without blood transfusion.

I saw my surgeon yesterday, I schedule my port removal for June 12, and we discussed about right mastectomy for September. Both my onc and surgeon gave me the ok to go on vacation in July (Anguilla), I am so happy! I hope my nails are not falling off since July is only 2 months away from my last tx May 29. If you are interested, I found on Victoria Secrets Bandeau top with removable padding that actually have pockets and they look great. I do snorkel a lot and for that, I will not need extras since I wear a west. I am not staying in the sun, but I love the water.

Wish everybody no SEs and speedy recovery.

Lisa,

I thought it was common to check lymph nodes when you have surgery. Looks like extra money for the hospital and the doctors since they didn't do it the first time.

Question for all? I started Femara on 4/2. Anyone else? Those that have been on it was awhile, SEs??????????????

Linda

Thanks!  That is what I thought!  My sister lives in Michigan and she is going to Karmanos Cancer Institute, which has a great reputation.  I'm really confused!!!!!!!!!!!!  And angry!!!!!!!!!