first chemo done

chelev,  hope you have a better go round this time.  How many treatments do you have?  My mother is going through treatments now and has one more to go.  She seems to be tolerating everything pretty well, though #3 has sort of been a little rougher than the 1st 2.  Take it easy and drink lots of water,  Keeping hydrated seems to help mom a little.

Cindy, anxiously awaiting  your next post to see how the last treatment went. A big woo-whooo for you  from Florida.

Mom is doing a little better tonight.  I didnt go and see her because she had a busy day. Didnt want her to have to feel like entertaining so.....but, she does sound better on the phone anyway.  One more....

 A good restfull night to you all,     Shannon

Hi Ladies...

Well..... GUESS WHAT?????

TA DAAAAA....I am DONE....D...O...N...E...    YEAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

We did PAR TAY...and the cupcakes were a hit. 

I had my last chemo...and the benedryl kicked in and I was so sleepy..so I had to take a nap this afternoon.  On our way home we stopped at JIMBOY Tacos and I had a chicken taco salad...BIG mistake...to think that I could eat normal...I have a bout of diarreah now...YIKES...and woke up in a big pool of sweat...and now got the dry mouth...urggh start of THRASH....BUT...its the last time...for that!

Along with the cupcakes I also gave my onco nurses "thank you" and gift cards - Michele a Nordstroms GC and for Rebecca who is expecting in August - a BABYs R US gift card.  They made my 6 sessions seem painless and were there for me all the way.  I couldn't have asked for better care.  They called me every session to follow up and see how I was doing. We had great hugs....and they were so appreciative and made sure that I stop in and see them whenever I see my onco doc...I will see them again tomorrow when I go in for my Nuelasta shot.

My doc said that I will need to leave my port in until after I am done with Radiation and have the Petscan.  So it will be a few more weeks for that to come out. 

Good news...my doc is referring me to a Cancer Center for my Rads here in Vacaville so I won't have to drive to Vallejo every day...that is a blessing...Its bad enough having to deal with a daily routine let alone a drive to another planet...LOL

Chelev...sorry to hear that you are having some SEs....You are almost done...Hang in there...you can do it!

Shannon...great to hear your mom may be doing better...let her know that she can reach out to me anytime...PM me if she has any questions...

Sending good thoughts and well wishes.....thanks LADIES for being there for me.....

Oh my !   I don't get on for a couple days and look at all the milestones knocked off !!!  Wow !

Deb has her surgery (sounds like things are going about as well as expected)  - great news about the nodes, Deb !   You did it !    Gotta love that drain, eh ?    Congrats !

Cindy !  Finished Chemo!    Congrats to you too !  Now, stay away from Tacos.   Not surprising to hear you are already trying to come back.  Still need to get through this one, remember ?  The BIG benefit though is get though it and you are DONE, DONE, DONE.    Also great news about getting in at the close rads center.  As one who has been there, trust me, traveling that distance for rads would be a DRAG.   So, you got good new all the way around.  Now.. no more tacos for a while, OK ?  (BTW, you need to change your signature line now !).

Sewbutton - Great news on the weight loss.  Wow.. I am impressed.  You are quite a role model in that regard - and an inspiration.  I really need to lose some myself.   

Shannon - Glad to hear your Mom is doing well - about as well as can be expected.  One more for her too.    Did she ever get rid of that rash on her head ?

Chelev - Side effects suck, you know ?   But, you are more than half way done too, right ?   Your attitude through this is great, and that is not easy to do.   Hang in there.  You can do this.  We will soon be celebrating your ending chemo too !

Janet - Welcome!  There is no "busting in" to worry about.  A great group of like minded ladies on this thread who will go out of their way to support and help.   You have come to a good place to get information, commisserate, complain, whatever you need.  We have all been where you are now.  Take it one day at a time, but make sure you get as much information up front to be able to ask the right questions and advocate for yourself.  Sounds like you are already doing that.

In regard to your questions - how you react to chemo is largely dependent upon what type they give you, its frequency, and your own personal constitution.  I did work through chemo, but in all honesty it was no picnic (and I cannot say I was real effective).  But, the type and schedule I am on allowed me to do that.   There are some tricks I can give you about working and chemo that worked for me when you get to that point. 

A couple of things going into this - a) Don't let the MRI freak you out - MRIs are notoriously sensitive and can potentially "exaggerate" a situation.  They are a great diagnostic tool, but I have known a number of women who had some exaggerated reads on the MRI (which can pick up things like inflammation), b) ask your doc about different chemo regimens and ask him/her why they are recommending the regimen they are.  It is OK to ask those types of questions of them and get some definitive answers back.  Different regimens have different risk/benefit trade offs.   If you don't mind me asking, how old are you and are you pre or post menopausal ?  This will also play into what the doc recommends.     Write down all your questions up front before you go in, and if you need some help thinking about what to ask, then come back here.  The ladies here can give you a lot of heads ups as to what to ask.     In the meantime, we are all proof you can do this.  I know it is scary, but hang in there. 

As for me, I had another MUGA scan yesterday.  Get the results next Wednesday when I go in for Herceptin number 6.  So far, am still avoiding Tamoxifen.  Will let you know how that saga plays out later. 

Everyone have a good night !

Jill  

Hi, Kathy -

Welcome to our thread.   I noticed that this was your first post.   I am a little biased (imagine that), but I don't think you could have picked a better thread to post into. 

A couple of things strike me about your situation.  First, you are ER/PR positive.  Believe it or not, that is one of the rare times you will see the word "positive" about a test result and it will be a good thing.  This means that hormone therapy will work for you.   You are Her2 negative, which means herceptin is not in your future, but also means the tumor was not as "aggressive" as it could have been.  The grade 2 also says it was not as aggressive as it could have been (grade 3 is the highest).   These are things that will play into your favor.

Just based on what you said, your case seems to be made for Oncotype testing (smaller tumor, node negative, ER/PR positive, her2 neg).  This is a test in which they send out a slice of the tumor to be characterized by a company called Genomic Health.  They basically look at 22 different charcteristics of the tumor and assign it an overall score based on the likelihood of it recurring (which is based on the characteristics).  You want a LOW score.  There are three tiers of scores you can end up in - low, intermediate or high.  If you get a low score, this means that the chance of recurrence is not very high and chemo will do very little for you.  Intermediate means they are less sure and you will have to make some judgment calls (your "young" age will play into this if you get an intermediate score), and high means that chemo is warranted given the chance for recurrence.    

Finally, one thing I have learned is that if you are under 50 (as both you and I are), they do dial up the scrutiny a bit and may lean forward to be a little more aggressive.  Your age will play into this.   That said, has anyone mentioned getting genetic testing to look for the BRCA gene mutation?  I ask because of your sister and her battle (and please accept my condolences in that regard) - and also because of your other sisters.    You may want to ask your doc about this testing.   If you come back positive for that gene mutation, it can change your course of action - especially when deciding the right timing for radiation.  But, let's cross that bridge after you had the discussion.

In the meantime, let us know what is happening ! 

Jill

Thanks so much for your warm welcome - and Jill, I have come to realize that you are a wealth of knowledge!  Thank you so much for your feelings on this, I do respect your opinions very much.  I have seen you help so many here, this really is a special place.  I have read through other threads, but couldn't stop reading this one. What a journey you have all been on.

 I am pretty sure that I would rather deal with the chemo, (especially after watching you all survive it!) than to risk having to go through this again in a year or two...or ten. 

My sister Anne was the oldest of 6 and had a different dad.  They told me that because of this my risk did not increase because of her diagnosis.  We all went in for regular mammograms anyway, at her insistence, and mine was clear.  I had my last one in July - then notice around the holiday that I had a little ache in one spot on my breast that seemed to coincide with my menstrual cycle.  I made an appointment with my GP for my annual physical in January and mentioned it.  She said she thought she felt something and sent me in for another mammo/sonogram.  Again, nothing on the mammogram but the sonogram showed it behind some dense tissue.   That's when my journey began. 

I believe in my heart that Anne is watching out for me.  I had honestly thought it was just a cyst, something i've had in my kidneys, ovaries and one in my gall bladder that made life interesting for a week or so... What drove me to go in and see my GP, mention this thing that I really didn't think was anything - I don't know, but something pushed me.  someone.

I will definitely discuss BRCA gene testing with the med onco.  I have a paternal aunt that is a 5 year survivor and had a maternal aunt that had BC back in the 60s - she was in her 40's at the time.  Treatment back then just didn't exist and she didn't survive.  I was very young so I don't remember a whole lot.  My mom was one of 10, my dad one of 8.  I have over 60 cousins just on my mom's side and don't see a pattern of BC, although there are a few; two for sure I know of that are both survivors.

I wish you all a fabulous weekend!  We are going to have temps in the 80s here!  This area is notorious for going from winter to summer overnight... I would love more of those low 70's days...great for garden work.

Deb - I hope all is well after your surgery!  

Cindy - I LOVE TO CRUISE! The only way to travel...  Congrats on finishing up!  I wish I were where you are now.

Prayers to all,

Kathy

Ladies...

I have started a thread to discuss helping with losing weight...thought it would be a good start for those who might be interested...called Weight Watchers...

Here is the link: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/58/topic/733059?page=1#idx_2

I AM DONE WITH CHEMO......YEAH!!!!
Dx 10/16/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage II, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-

Hi Janet...

When you get a chance update your HOME PAGE with your diagnose...it helps us respond to your questions...

Well...if you are lucky you may not gain any weight...but it will depend on your chemo regimen...most of them come with steroids which can cause puffiness or gain in weight.  You do want to keep up with your nutriants and eat lots of protein to get your white blood count back to normal.  Most of these wonderful women will say they have gained pounds here and there.  I wouldn't worry until you are finished with chemo...

I was on Jenny Craig and doing wonderfully until chemo came...and gained it all back and thensome...But now that I am done with Chemo...I started to think how we can all benefit from each other and help each other lose the weight from this process...

So glad your daughter will be there to support you...and it should be told to all your family...you need the support from everyone during this time...it really is comforting.  They do care...what if it were them and they kept it from you???  I am not sure what Jill had meant about keeping it from a child...I do know that you should use one toilet if possible after chemo and be sure that you clean the area so that they are not exposed to any chemo residue...wash hands often..etc.

Jill may pop in to explain further.....

Good luck and please keep posting...we love to hear from you...

Good morning Ladies !  

I just checked on this morning and found all this great coversation going on. 

Janet - First let me say if you picked up that comment I made about young children and infections... you really were reading the 670 posts !    I am impressed.   Truth be told, I like having the journey documented in one place.  It does make it long to read, but there is something about the circumstances, the trials/tribulations the feelings and seeing how they get resolved - that truly makes this a journey.  You know, there were times when I was posting, that this site (and this thread in particular) became not only a communication/support/information vehicle, but became an outlet.   At times posting became a combination of communication and journaling - usually brought on by something I felt or a comment by someone else that triggered a thought.  I bring that up to let you that I found this a safe place to do that kind of thing, and feel free to do so if you are so inclined (or not, if you are not!). 

Anyway, for complete clarification of my point - when I was going through chemo, my doctor advised me to limit my exposure to small children, especially in groups.  The reason ?   Little kids can be germ factories and have a tendency to rub their hands on you and stuff.    Because our immune systems can be depressed during chemo, any sort of exposure can be amplified and potentially dangerous.  A cold on chemo, is not just a cold anymore.   I knew one woman who wore gloves when out because of this.  Another carried Purell around with her.  I am not suggesting everyone go to these extremes, but caution is warranted.   The funny thing is that I work Research & Development for the Baby Care category.  One time while I was still being treated I went to check on a study someone in my group was doing and found myself surrounded by about 20 toddlers.    This was in the dead of winter and there were all kinds of drippy noses and the like.   It took me about 10 minutes there before I remembered... uh... not supposed to be around groups of little kids - and got out of there quick.   Luckily, I was fine. 

 Anyway, I hope that clarifies it.  No need to let this thing run your life, but take appropriate precautions when needed.   I hope that makes sense.

Cindy - I will respond to yours in another post.  This one getting too long.

Jill

Janet,

I have the same question about exercise!   I have been frustrated since my mastectomy (March 30) and an incision infection that i haven't been able to do much.   I'm trying to get this damn thing to finally heal, so I'm limiting my arm motion as much as possible.

In any case, I assume that will be healed and hoping I can at least get back to walking during chemo.  I feel like I'm withering away!  

Jill,

  As I read through the postings going back to the fall, through the holidays, the ups and downs of everyone's journey, it often felt like I was reading the journals of courageous women.  That's what kept me reading. (as well as informed and inspired!)  You should look back on the postings as the "Chronicles of Chemotherapy", (but I know you want to name your book, "There Was No Lump" (yes, I really did read 670 posts!)). 

  Hope you got the lacross shoes - I love hearing that you're doing normal, everyday "mom things" while on this journey.  It really gives me hope that I can continue to have some semblance of a normal life while going through this struggle.

Janet

Janet

hi,

I'm new to this thread--waiting for my oncotype results and mulling over what I'll do if I'm in the intermediate zone. Also wondering if I end up doing chemo if I'll do TC or CMF? anybody else out there have to make that decision? I know CMF is gentler but longer...

 Hey Kathy--we're stat-sisters! We were even diagnosed on the same day! How freaky!

jean

I am finished with chemo I was supposed to have 2 more rounds of Taxol but the neuropathy was getting worse in my left foot so my onco agreed with me that it was not worth the possibility of more nerve damage for 2 rounds. I had my 4 rounds of AC and 10 rounds of Taxol and that is enough!! YES!!!!!! No more chemo!!

I start my radiation in June, after school is out. I told them I was NOT going to miss any more work and that one month would be sufficient for me to try to get back my energy. I can do my 33 rounds of rads and be done before school starts back up again in August!

All of you ladies have been such an inspiration for me to throughout my surgery and chemo!! I dont post as often as some of you but I do still come in and read your posts and have to smile at some and cry with others. We truly are a sisterhood!!

Congrats Cindy.. glad you are done with chemo!! Hugs

To all of you who are still going through it and newly diagnosed... my positive thoughts and prayers go out to you. Its a damn rough road at times but it is doable to live a longer and healthier life!!

Take care and Hugs to each of you!! I will still be around, just going to be a bit busier with garden time and school, etc.. but will still be posting now and then and reading all of your progress reports

~Belinda~

Happy Sunday night, Ladies !

Beautiful day here in Cincinnati today.  I attended my son's lacrosse match (they lost) but enjoyed the outdoors.  Feeling a little crispy tonight as a result of my time in the sun, but it felt great.

Quiet on the board tonight, so I hope that means everyone is doing well.

Jean - Welcome to the thread !   I know it can be crazy waiting for results.  I take it your onc. is considering CMF and TC if your results come back in the intermediate/high range ?    I personally did not have to decide between those two regimens because I am her2 positive (which, for some reason, require different regimens), but I do know that that stats I have seen on TC have been very good.   I have not seen CMF prescribed as much these days, but it used to be the "standard bearer" for breast cancer.   How many rounds is your onc. thinking about and what is the timing between doses?  That could be a key consideration for you.   Pop back in and tell us how the oncotype worked out for you and where you came out !

Belinda - Congrats on being done !!!!   I am sorry the Taxol did not treat you well.  I am finding that drug gets to a lot of people toward the end.  So, you are in good company.   A vitamin B complex (blessed by my doc) really helped my neuropathy.   You might want to ask your doc about it.  In any case - you post when you feel like it.  While I like hearing from you, I know that usually if you aren't posting, it means you are doing well.  I would rather have you doing well !   Take care, and let us know how it goes going back to work. 

Deb - Sorry about the margin.   I had a 1.5 mm margin with the DCIS that freaked me out a little too.  But, my onc. (like yours), said that was sufficient to move forward with the rest of treatment without going back in.  (I was relieved).    My last scan (post radiation) showed no DCIS... so, they must have known what they are talking about.   I look forward to hearing where you come out on this.

As for me - I go in this Wed. for my next two hour herceptin infusion.  This one has me a little nervous because I have noticed some chest tightness and shortness of breath which was not there before.  Luckily, I had the heart scan last Wed.  So, I will get these results as well.  Assuming the test is OK, I will be moving forward.  

Hope everyone is having a good night !

Jill  

Hello Everyone.

Jill:  I loved your philosophizing from the other night, especially about finding the joy in the mundane and the "commitments that keep our worlds churning" (quite poetic!).  I absolutely know what you mean.  Yesterday I was at the food store (pretty mundane) and greeted the clerk with the usual, "Hello, how are you today?"  She responded "Well,  I'm here."  (implying that she'd prefer to be anywhere else).  To which I replied,  "Yes, and isn't it wonderful to be able to be here?"  I guess the newly diagnosed cancer patient in me really thought to be ANYWHERE is a blessing to be cherished, even if it's the food store. 

Belinda:  Congratulation on finishing chemo.  Your diagnosis sounds very similar to mine.  I don't have all the details yet, as I am meeting with the Breast Surgeon to discuss the biopsy results tomorrow, but she suspected Stage II, Grade 3 ( I have two lumps, 1 cm and 2 1/2 cm)  when we spoke on the phone last week   I'd love to hear some more details about your chemo experience.  What kind of work do you do?  You mentioned school and I was wondering if you're a teacher. 

Here's a question for anyone who cares to answer...do you find that you constantly think about cancer, or can your mind not go there for an extended period of time?  I find if I'm really busy, I can think about something else, but the moment that things slow down, my mind is back to cancer thoughts and questions.    Maybe it's because this is all so new to me and I have a ton of questions, at this point.  That's why I'd like to know from you ladies who have been on this path for a while, at what point, if any, does you mind allow you to think "normal" thoughts.  (There's that "normal" idea again, Jill!)  Nights are especially difficult. 

Having said that, I'm going to try to go to sleep.  Hope everyone has a great week.  Hopefully, I have more news tomorrow after meeting with the surgeon.

Janet

Morning Ladies...

Belinda...Congrats on being done..DONE...with chemo!!!!

Jill...You simply amaze me...and the thoughts you put into words are RIGHT THERE....

Janet...we are anxious to hear what the surgeon says...

Deb...Good luck on getting the drain out and take care of yourself...we want you pain free.

 As for my last chemo...I have been trying to take it easy.  I have slept so much and I think it makes me even more tired.  As far as SE's ...I have had chills and fever, diareahh and constipation.  I am so done with this...and each day I know it will get better...just anxious to get it going.  I meet with the Radiologist on Wednesday and hope I can start the Rads soon.

Hope everyone has a great week...