**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • arnie
    arnie Member Posts: 3,050
    edited May 2009

    Looking forward to hearing from ya... Buddy

    Hope you're doing ok....let us know!!!

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited May 2009

    Hi Buddy!  We miss you!  Dawn

  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited May 2009
    Hi Buddy: Miss you too! Hope you're doing ok.
  • Kimmom
    Kimmom Member Posts: 32
    edited May 2009

    Chris:

    Taxol is waaaay better then the  AC (so far). I have had a stomachache for the last few days and was hoping the Dr would just let me know what I could take over the phone but they made me go to urgent care yesterday for some meds. I also have some aching in my legs with some toe cramping but it is all easier then AC. The best thing is the taste in my mouth is not as bad and I don't feel like I'm in a fog.

    Hair: I usually wear a buff or a turban when I go out, the wig is too uncomfortable. I did go bald when the ball hit me last week and I think that helped me get over any weird feelings I had. I don't wear anything at home, unless I'm cold.

    Body Image:   Ok, I am a major chunky monkey though I have lost 11 lbs on the AC I still have quit a ways to go. I have freaked a few times looking in the mirror right after my mastectomy but c'mon.... fat lady, one big boob, baldhead and glasses was not a pretty picture. But with my loving husband of 33 years and his always grabbing me, I have come to feel more accepting of me in this new skin.

  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited May 2009

    BUDDY- We are care about you and are rooting for you.  We will all be happy when we hear from you.

    Ladies- ON the topic of going out in public with only a scarf or hat..I guess I am not that comfortable with sharing my cancer with strangers if I don't have to. I am not sure if that is a good way to look at things or not. Maybe when the heat comes I will go out with  just hats or scarfs . My wigs for some reason feel very good on me. In one I actually look better than ever.I do wear scarfs and hats,,sometimes bald in the house. I am disturbed NOT with looking at me with the bald head in the mirror but with the scarf. That says cancer to me. It disturbs me and it really shouldn't after allI have been through.

    My grand daughter slept over last night. I woke up before her and put my wig on. I did not want to show her my bald head if avoidable. A rainy day in NYC today. Yesterday turned out to be a real sunny day. WE went to the Bronx Zoo. My grand daughter is now a Lemur specialist. They are animals that live only in Madagascar.That is the new exhibit at the zoo.Seven years old and absorbs so much.My brain definitely is not like that anymore.

    Tomorrow is my last TC.

    Stay strong.

    WE miss you Buddy.

    Hugs ,

    Francine

  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited May 2009

      Francine... The final day has come!  YIPPPPPPEEEEE!  Thus far, the SEs from my last TC on Wednesday have been no worse this weekend.  For that, I am very grateful.

    buddy... I Miss You

  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2009

    Kimmom:  O.K.. I am so glad to hear that Taxol treated you better than AC.  What did you end up taking for stomache pain?  The leg and toe cramping - did you just take Tylenol or Motrin or did you have to take something stronger?  Also, how long was it before SE's started and how many days did they last.

     Can you tell I am freaking out just a little.  I finally got AC figured out and now a whole new set of SE's has me VERY nervous.

    Buddy1:  Hope you are doing well and just resting up or having computer problems!  We  miss you...

    Chris

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited May 2009

    kim mom~ walking barefoot on a cold floor helps the foot cramps!

    GO FRANCINE! GO FRANCINE! The end is near!

    buddy 1! I hope you are doing okay!!!!

    Dawn

  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2009

    Dawn,

    Are you on Taxol too?  Sorry, I can't keep everyone's treatments straight!!  Anything you can add to Kimmom is appreciated!

    Chris

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited May 2009

    Crusader....Good luckon your last TC.. what a great day that will be!!! This second round of TC is defintiely more fatiguing for me than the first. So happy to hear of an end for someone in thi s treatment.

     I look at myself in the mirror and think this cannot be me..lol.. i have no self image and no it is not good for the journey!!!Reading others encouraging words and stories of courage, sheds a whole new light and know we are all on the same path and we are all beautiful!!!it is not about the bald hair as much as it is the way we see we are all miracles and have a chance for a healthier life.

    Would feel alot better hearing Buddy is ok...!!

    Hugs,

    Donna

  • 7timewinner
    7timewinner Member Posts: 183
    edited May 2009

    Hey...what happened to the flavor of water?????? Eeeek. Gasoline-tasting. :)

    I was also hoping we'd hear from Buddy by now...

    Nadine

  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited May 2009

    Hi All.....I just checked Buddy's (Lisa's) FB page, one of her friends posted on Thursday that everything went well....I bet she is home resting now!

    Good thoughts and healing vibes to Lisa.....we are all thinking of you.

    Diane

  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited May 2009

    Francine (crusader1),

    This time tomorrow you will be done!  Congrats in advance!

    Hugs,

    Diane

  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited May 2009

    ALYAD - I'm 31 and have had only one menstrual cycle about two weeks after chemo and none since.  I don't want it to leave before it's time. I still want kids.

    SAKURA73 - I think we are in the same boat.  My boyfriend and I are in that stage where we want to have sex all the time but, this chemo has put a cramp in our style. I can get aroused but, can't stay aroused, ugh the dryness.  Also, I have had horrible cold sores of which I'd never had flare up before.  I will have to check out the mojo thread.

  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited May 2009

    Hi MOB(Jan), Dawn, Donna, , for the good wishes  and especially Diane for informing us about Buddy..and the good wishes.

    I have my fingers crossed that all will go well tomorrow..

    Hugs to all,

    Francine

  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited May 2009
    Nasharayne,  I'm on the same schedule as you- got it two weeks after first treatment (right on schedule) and not since.  I don't want kids so were it not to come back I'd be okay with it, but I miss my libido, my style is definately cramped. I've been married a year, but we've been together for nearly 5 so we are sorta out of that everyday phase (god how did I keep that up?), more like once a week, so a little less is not a huge deal, DH is understanding. I am more upset by it than he is. I've had mouth sores a couple times- that is a big  cramp in our style too.
  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited May 2009

    Chris and Kimmom!  I am on TAC, Taxotere is similarto Taxol! I have had few SE, only some constipation, muscle spasms, and hair loss. Sometimes my stomach gets off, similar to pregnancy!! No vomiting or real nausea.  It's not that bad I am 3 cycles in with 3 to go.  Can't wait to be done, just the same as everyone feels. Good luck, hope it helps! Dawn

  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited May 2009

    Alyad and Nasharayne I have two words for you. Pjur lubricant. It works an absolute treat. Get the one specially designed for women. It is silicon based so does not dry out like KY and the other water based ones. I was told about it by a woman who described herself as "the expert on dry vaginas"!!! She is this fabulous 60 year old Liverpudlian woman who runs the cancer support help line in Victoria, and she came to speak at an information evening for  younger women  organised by my breast care nurse.  She said Pjur was the best, and  it definitely is. It is German I think. Put it on him and on you. I could not believe the difference it made, especially in helping me relax without worrying he would hurt me. He felt better too. 

    Francine good luck for your last treatment!

    Great to hear the news about Buddy.

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited May 2009

    Thanks for the info on Buddy!!!!! Good luck today Francine!!!

    Today is #5 after treatment 2 of TC and hoping to have more energy today. Need to take a walk regardless with my goldens. The thing i am grateful for is not being constipated and have an appettie.  The fact I have that I am grateful for and we all need something to be grateful for during the down days!''

    Healthy thoughts to all those in TX today and this week.

    Donna

  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited May 2009

    Crusader: Best wishes and congratulaions on your last one today!

    MOB: Glad you are doing well since your final tx.

    Diane: Thanks for the update on Buddy. Let's all keep sending poitive vibes her way>

  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited May 2009

    Hi All,

    I'm happy to hear about buddy!  And I'm happy to hear you're all hanging in there.  I'm happy, but envious at the same time of those of you coming to the end of your treatments.  I'm coming to #3 of 6 (once every three weeks) this Friday and have realized that I'll never get used to it.  I just have to hang in there until it's over.

     I got a cute link in an email today and thought I'd share it.  It made me smile and I hope it does the same for you.  It took my mind off my treatment which is always good.

    This video was made in the Antwerp, Belgium Central (Train) Station on March 23, 2009, with no warning to the passengers passing through the station.   At 8:00 am a recording of Julie Andrews singing 'Do, Re, Mi' begins to play on the public address system.  As the bemused passengers watch in amazement, some 200 dancers begin to appear from the crowd and station entrances. They created this amazing stunt with just two rehearsals! Enjoy!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k (speakers on!!)

    Have a great day all!!!!

    Beth

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

    Francine-   CONGRATS on finishing up.  Just hope your SE's are few!!

    Buddy- Hope you are doing well as reported, I'm sure we'll hear from you soon.

    Quote for my day:

    I've been a lot more relaxed since I discovered that STRESSED is just DESSERTS spelled backward.

  • Kimmom
    Kimmom Member Posts: 32
    edited May 2009

    Chris: They gave me a GI cocktail for my stomach, which is donnatel with maalox and a prescription to take home with the same thing.   On day 4 and It is doing much better.   I took tylenol for leg cramps but they still ache. It is bearable, though I did break down and took one vicodin last night at 10pm. I was down for days 2 - 9 with AC and am not down at all with this.

    Dawn: Thank you for the toe information, I will give it a try.

    bethr: What an uplifting video, Thank you.

  • kim40
    kim40 Member Posts: 904
    edited May 2009

    This is a busy, busy forum!  I cannot keep up with you guys! 

    Glad to hear Buddy is doing well - sending (((HUGS))) you way.

    Way to go Francine and MOB - last one!  YOu must be soooo happy!

    I'm heading for #4 of 6 on Wednesday - this one is the Taxotere - heard you have a lot of pain with this one but not so much nausea - I think I rather the pain then the feeling of having your stomach in your mouth for a couple of days - but I guess I better be careful what I wish for.

    Hope everyone is having a SE free day!!

    (((HUGS)))) to all. 

  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2009

    Kimmom,

    Thanks for the info...you have been such a great resource!  I have Tylenol, Motrin, Loratab, and Percocet all ready if needed.  Don't have much in the way of stomach meds..guess I'll have to wait and see!

    Thanks again....

    Hugs to all...hoping everyone is doing well. 

    Chris

  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited May 2009

    Francine...  Clapping Hands 

    Way to go on the last chemo!!! 

    buddy and bwbly... Thinking of you both!

  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited May 2009

    Hello,  I am finally home.  The mass was not cancer.  It was wrapped around my intestines and rectum.  The Docs were shocked.  Then my bowels were paralyzed a few days.  Things kept snowballing.  I had to have a blood transfusion.  I still fee very dizzy.  This worries me.  Chemo is now pushed back 4 to 6 more weeks.  I have already missed 2.  Do any of you know anyone who had to stop chemo for a period of time and restart.  i thought they would give me one or two more treatments.  They said no.  It just resumes.  This kinda scares me.  They say there have been no studies done on this.  Thank you for your good vibes and well wishes.  I know you have all been pulling for me.  I love you all.  Love Buddy

  • arnie
    arnie Member Posts: 3,050
    edited May 2009

    (((((((((((((Buddy))))))))))))))   Soooooooooooooo sorry to hear about all the complications!  Will continue to pray...  missed you so much.  I can't answer any of your questions...but will be checking back to see if someone can...

  • MichelleinSJ
    MichelleinSJ Member Posts: 133
    edited May 2009

    Oh Buddy, I'm thrilled it's not cancer, even though it sounds like hell!  You're going to be okay :)

    Love you, too!

    Michelle

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited May 2009

    Buddy1 !!!!! Welcome back!  We all missed you.  I'm so glad it is not cancer, your infection probably saved you!!! Don't worry about the delay in chemo, they are just shooting cells if they are there or not who knows, they won't give you chemo until you are completely healed, and that's a good thing.  Don't worry or stress out, just think of getting well!!!! the cancer in your breast was removed and the chemo is for the lingering stuff and you have already had a few doses, so don't obsess!  It will be ok! Your dizziness is because you are weak, drink plenty of fluids, move around as much as you can, and eat protien to help you heal.  That is the most important thing!  You take care and best of luck!  Love Ya! Dawn

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