first chemo done

Wow.. things have been busy on this thread.   Not exactly sure where to start here.   So.. will go in order.

Chelev - I have said all along that everyone has to be an advocate for themselves on this journey.  Gather all the information you can, ask the the right questions, explore the alternatives.. but in the end it is YOUR call and no one else's.  You just exemplified that very nicely.   So, I wish you the best of luck in the next phase of your plan, and am hoping beyond all hope that you are just dealing with a clogged port and not a clot.   Thanks for letting me be nosy too ! 

Deb - Great news on the drain removal and the declaration of "cancer free".   Radiation, while not fun, I found to be much easier than chemo.  The only drag for you is you live kind of far out.   Did you find a facility closer to home ?  It will get to be a drag driving into town every day.    I promise to behave.  I know you know where I live and can... uhm.. kick my butt.  (For the record, this is not the first time she has threatened to do so). 

Belinda - Yep... I am damn stubborn (for an Aries) and most of the time not for my own good.   Sorry to hear about all the post treatment crap, but you are not the first person I have heard talk about this.  In my case, I managed to keep my eyebrows all through chemo and then they decided to pop out AFTER chemo was done.  Figured.  I hear it takes a good 4-6 weeks for this junk to leave our systems.   Let us know how it goes with radiation.

Cindy (aka "Crack") - Well, you certainly brightened up all our days yesterday.  I found myself chuckling about your story at work yesterday and people asking what was so funny.  Of course, I could not explain it to them.  How on earth will they get the comedic drama that is chemo side effects ?    It is nice that you feel comfortable enough to share this story and make us all laugh at the drama we are in.  

As for husbands.... well, I had someone tell me behind the scenes that I should demand "grudge sex" as a make up mechanism given how mad I was at him.  I did not think that was a bad idea until I realized that we were mad at each other and then technically who would get to be the one to carry the grudge ?   That does make a difference, you know, when it comes to grude sex.  Well... you will be happy to know, despite the lack of grudge sex, we seemed to have made up over this little episode.  I promised to tell him when I am having symptoms, and he promised to be more accessible.  

BTW, I think I am having "sympathy" butt crack itch for you at this point.     But, great news on the STAGING.  Wow... that is wonderful.   Now... plow on through radiation.   It is time. 

Janet - Wonderful news on the MRI, especially since I know MRIs tend to be "over sensitive" at times.    I will try to answer your question.   My tri neg friend at group was a case way advanced beyond yours (so this should also give you some hope).  She was actually in stage IV.   Her cancer was very stubborn and kept popping back up - even after a double (it showed up in the scar).   In her case, they put her on Xeloda, which I believe is still in clincal trials for some cases (but don't ask me which).  Xeloda is a form of oral chemotheraphy.   She takes it one week on and one week off, and will likely have to take it forever.  But, it does not have the side effects of typical chemo - no hair loss, no extreme fatigue, nausea, etc.  It does have some side effects for her (peeling hands, some diarrhea).    You don't want to exactly go this route, but it goes to show that even the most stubborn of tri neg cases have hope.   She is NED today - no tumors !  Just so you know, I have some other tri neg friends who are still doing quite nicely today, although they also express anxiety like you just did about not being able to do "anything" after the initial treatement.   But, you should take away that your case is not "hopeless".  Got that now ? !!! 

Anyway, I am off to work now.   Have a happy Friday everyone.

Jill

Chelev - It is so good to hear you so upbeat!   I am glad that you and your doctor are good with your decision.  All I am hearing is that everyone's experience is different and that you must do what is right for you.  Stay positive, it's great to hear you sounding so happy!

Janet

Good Morning, Ladies and Happy Saturday to you !

Chelev - Great news on the port.  Glad it was not a clot !   Now.. go get that alien out of there !

Janet - Nice hearing from you too.  What are they doing with you next ?   You never told us. 

Cindy - Sorry about you computer. That sucks.  But, glad to have you back.  A friend of mine had the nipple reconstruction and tatooing done and (ahem) showed them to us in the group that were interested.  I thought they looked great !   They sedated her for the tatooing part.   She said it was not bad at all.

As for me... Last night I was in teenage heaven.  My daughter had four of her friends over for the night (and thankfully they are still sleeping right now).   It was very cute.  Heard giggling, lots of talking over the movies they were watching and the I detected the distinct smell of nail polish wafting up from the basement.  I did check on them, and one girl had painted every nail a different color.    I went to bed around midnight (Hubby was out playing poker with some buddies), and they were still going strong.   I am sure to get the run down today.   Nice group of girls, though.  I am thankful my daughter is spending a little time away from that boyfriend of hers.   Don't get me wrong - he is a nice kid - cross country runner, honor student, polite, adores my daughter - but it makes me nervous when they spend so much time together.  Too young for that.  So, nice to see her broaden her horizons, and she was the one that planned this get together.   I am happy about that.  

My son, who has about zero desire to be stuck in a house with a bunch of giggling girls, thankfully found a buddy he could stay over with last night.   So, everyone happy.

I am still having these minor chest pains.   They pop in once in a while. I am going to try to track them - althought I have not found a pattern so far.  Interested to see if they show up after or around eating.  That might suggest more of a GI issue. 

In any case, nothing I can do about them until I see the cardioligist on May 12.  It got scheduled then because I am out of town next week.  I will be on a plane on my way to Denver tomorrow- then got about a three hour drive into the mountains.  Believe it or not, it is for a training.   I will work very hard next week and my brain will be fried by Thursday.   I already know this (trust me).  But, as usual, will stay mobilely connected.    Hey, someone has to keep you ladies out of trouble- particularly with Cindy around!

Everyone have a great day !  I have to go get pancakes ready for this contingent of girls in my house. 

Jill

Morning Ladies...

Jill...It sounds like you had a great night...with all the girls having fun.  It is good to hear your daughter has expanded her friends.  My granddaughter has a BF and they work together at In and Out Burger go to the same College together and they are always together...worries me...although as with your daughter the BF is a great student and is polite and the nicest boy.

I am concerned that you are still having pains and are going away next week.  I know work is work...but..you need to be careful.  I sure hope its indigestion...and I have had some that I thought was so painful it pierced my back with pain.  Just please take it easy and rest if you can at night.  And if you don't communicate with us...its' okay I will behave...LOL

chelev...Happy Anniversary...You don't look old enough to have 18 years under your belt.  You must have been a teen bride like me!

I am going to a Dove Chocolate Party this afternoon.  Hey... I can still eat Chocolate!!!!

Good Evening, Ladies !

Getting ready for my trip here.  Got the laundry done and all stuff I need bought and have already printed my boarding pass.  I am psyched because I got bumped to first class.  One small perk of having my butt on airplanes for so long for so many years.  When you got like a gazillion flyer miles, you almost always get the upgrade.

Chelev - I have already thought about the flu thing.  I don't relish the idea of being on a plane during a pandemic flu crisis.  But, we do what we must.  Congrats on your anniversary.  Ironically, my hubby and I also hit number 18 in about a month (June 1).    You will have to tell us how the dinner goes.   I have been to Italy on a couple of occasions - and the food is fabulous.  Let us know if this restaurant stacks up.    

Cindy -  Hmmm.. I am afraid you lost all credibility in regard to "behaving" with that butt crack story.   Besides, if I am off line, I will miss all your crazy stories.   As for me,  I have informed one person who I trust that is going to the training with me as to the situation going on with the chest pain thing.  She is a good friend and has already requested all my medical contact information, which I provided her.   So, I am doing my best to cover the bases on this.  I also don't relish the idea of being at altitude next week (I will be WAY up), given that makes your heart work harder.  But, I will take the appropriate precautions.   Thanks for worrying about me. 

Janet - No problem with the rambling. If you haven't figured it out by now, that is my favorite past time !    You know I have a special place in my heart for teachers - education is the family trade for my family.  Parents were both teachers, grand parents were all teachers and I am married to one !   I know a dedicated teacher when I see one - and also recognize the buzz that comes from teaching when it is your calling.   So, you keep on keepin on...  do what you can to help you feel alive.   Living on purpose (which you so obviously are when you are teaching) can be the greatest reward.

Funny thing is that you hit on exactly the reason I kept on working.  I needed to feel "normal".  That is how I coped.  It appears you and I are similar in that regard.  Does not work for everyone, and please listen to your body when you need to - but if everyday activities are what you need to keep moving forward, then do it.  Just don't get too awful frustrated when your body says "stop" for a bit.  It happens to all of us.  But, this WILL be over.   Just remember that.

Anyway, got to go finish packing now.  Talk to you ladies later.

Jill 

Well.. Good Evening Ladies !  Quiet tonight.  I hope that means everyone is doing well.

I am in Colorado now.  Kinda tired because had to wake up really early, and am still getting used to the altitude.   Drinking lots of water.   I LOVE that three hour drive up the mountain.  My friend who was supposed to drive up with me got sick last night (food poisoning - NOT swine flu) and had to delay her trip until tomorrow.  While I missed my friend, I have to admit there is something cathartic about going up the mountain - alone in your thoughts while taking in the spectacular scenery.   I love it.   I rented a Toyota Rav - which is just perfect for the trip up the mountain.   Played my Ipod through the car stereo and at times was singing at the top of my lungs (really badly I might add).   I stopped for lunch at this little town I know about called Georgetown.  It is like an old Wild West town with a beautiful little main street.   I knew of a little diner there called the "Happy Cooker" that has great food at a good price.  It just hit the spot.   I am currently about 15 miles west of Vail in a town called Avon.  I have been here several times before.  

This training I take happens this time every year (during mud season when the prices are bargains) - and it builds on the year before.  I liken this training to an annual kick in the ass - which we all need once in a while.   By Thursday, I will be exhausted, but challenged.  We discuss some really in depth topics during this week that causes me to think (be afraid, be very afraid).   It is a little like "brain gymnastics".    However, the saving grace is that there is a SPA here (uh-huh)... already got myself scheduled for some things after the training is done for the day !

Anyway, I hope everyone is hanging in there.  So far, so good with the altitude and the chest thing.   Still getting twinges, but not any less/more than I did at home.  

Cindy - BTW, nice line on your daughter.  I am going to remember that one for future use.  And for the record... I like bologna sandwiches too.  But, haven't had one in YEARS.  

Take care, ladies. 

Jill

Hello Ladies,

Jill:  Glad you made it safely..  Enjoy your training and your time to yourself.  Hit the spa for me!

Cindy:  I'm not really sure how you went from having a chocolate martini (YUMMM) to craving a bologna sandwich on white bread! I guess it's just your inner child wanting to come out and dine! 

Chelev:  Hope your anniversary dinner was nice.   

I"m going for my bone scan Tuesday, say a prayer it comes back clean.   Take care my new friends.

Janet

Hi, everyone!  Dinner last night was fantastic - it was like being back in Italy - and I was able to chat with the owner in my very very limited Italian.  Also got on my new pink for breast cancer cruiser bike my DH bought me during last week's hellish time and rode it for a bit yesterday. (He even put an inscription on it noting when he bought it and for what reason) Wow, when you are more or less an invalid (biopsies, surgeries in feb & march, chemo in april) compared to how active I was prior to this (walking, biking, running, etc.), its amazing how just a short bike ride can tire you out - but it was a good tired!  He's a really wonderful guy!!

Have calls in to the breast surgeon to get the port removed and the rad onc to begin my setup for rads - hope to have those scheduled this week.

Cindy - I adore balogna - don't eat it very often, but when I do I get Boars Head garlic bologna.  Yours sounded good too! 

Jill - sounds like a wonderful ride - I love being able to take in incredible scenery.  Stay healthy and get plenty of rest while kicking butt!  Oh, and enjoy the spaaaaaa.  My coworkers gave me a spa gift certificate when I was first diagnosed, it was such a sweet thing to do, and I haven't had time to use it yet, nor did I feel up for it. But, I've scheduled a mini spa day for a couple of weeks from now when I'm off, and I can't wait!!

Deb, I had the same kind of pulling / rubbing from mine - must be where they placed the incision.  I had to keep flexing my arm every now and then to get the muscles to relax, because I was constantly contracting them to hold my arm to my side to keep it from chafing.  I found a little bit of baby powder helped until it healed all the way.

Hope everyone has a great day and feels good!!!!

Cindy - yes, I think I'll keep him around for a while!

I am scheduled for my fitting appointment with the rad onc on Wed. a.m. and then am getting the port out on Friday - yahoo!!!

Morning Ladies....

I have my daughter and grandkids coming for three days...and then my other granddaughter who we raised is coming to visit for the weekend on Friday....and then we will take her home on Mother's Day...

I need a nap already...

Janet, LOL, it's more like that move, The Matrix where they plug into the back of peoples heads, cepting they're plugging into your chest...........doesn't hurt, more like a pinch and it's done....

Deb

Hey Janet

  I bought a little past the shoulder synthetic and hated it...have never worn it..it just doesn't lay right for some reason, and even though I hate short hair, a friend gave me a human hair shorter wig (dark brown and I was used to my hair being blonde), I don't like it, but everyone else does, say they can't even tell it's a wig... One woman told me, well it's a good thing you didn't lose all your hair! LOL...but the longer synthetic ones just don't lay right for some reason and this one is so shiny that it resembles doll hair..just ugly...

Hi - I have two past shoulder synthetic wigs very close to my original hair, and they don't frizz - and believe me, I am in humid south Florida, they would frizz!!  I bought mine from Ultimate Looks and I had them cut by a stylist to fit my face and I usually wear it half-up and half down, with the front part pulled back, because it looks more natural than all of that hair hanging in my face.  I do have a short one too, and it's much easier because it is less hair and actually, I like it as much as my long ones, because I was wearing short hair for about a month and got used to it.  I also have hair inserts I put into hats and scarves, - bangs and what looks like a to-the-shoulder pageboy, which I am wearing now with a little newsboy cap.  I think it really depends on the wig and it does sound like the saleslady is trying to make a (much) bigger sale.  The longer the wig, the more you'll have to get it cut to frame your face, I am finding.  When I first got mine, I hated them and swore I'd never wear them, but now do.

Now, if I can just figure out the breakouts (pimples or whatever they are) on my head!!  Making me crazy.

Hmmm - did your onc give you anything for it or did it just resolve itself?