first chemo done
Comments
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Janet22664, you are welcome! Look at www.headcovers.com - that's where I bought my bangs and the pageboy piece, as well as a newsboy cap and a denim hat that I flip the brim up on. Fairly reasonable price and a pretty good selection. www.ultimatelooks.com has some also, and from the American Cancer Society's TLC section, they also have wigs and hair pieces, though not as many, but the prices are really good. I also bought the ballcap I'm wearing in my photo with a ponytail, it's from www.inspiredbyyou.com and they make each hat and hairpiece to order, so it takes about 10 days to get it, but I love that I can just put that on and I have a ready-made ponytail to go. It almost covers the sideburns, or rather stubbly sideburns and with sunglasses on, nobody can tell. The hats w/hairpiece are a little pricey, but they are my go-to for the weekend - easy!
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Hello, Ladies !
Finally coming up for air here. It has been a pretty intense couple of days here. They certainly keep us hopping. I have been doing a lot of thinking about this whole vulnerability aspect we have discussed on several occasions - why it is so hard to be vulnerable in a situation like we had/have - why it is so difficult to accept help - especially when help is needed. Those kinds of things. I think I have peeled back some layers and am now connecting some dots on that for myself. It is quite complicated, but I think I have a better idea as to why I have such a visceral reaction to the whole vulnerability aspect. Does not make it easier, but I do think I understand it better - and being the good scientist... I gotta understand it !
Anyway.. the spa has been a welcome diversion at the end of the training day, and has helped to clear my thinking. I had a body scrub that was to die for. Thought I had died and gone to Heaven. Today was an 80 minute massage (yes... I said 80 minute). Told the guy to stay away from my port (really don't like it when ANYONE touches my port), but other than that... have at it. Strongest hands I think I have ever seen. Worked out all the kinks in my neck. Felt like mashed potatoes when he was done.
They also have this really cool "Roman Bath" Type thing here where you go from one pool to another of increasing temperature, then you hit this shower that is COLD followed by a steam room. I am finding I am getting some of my best thinking done in that steam room. I feel really refreshed after that.
Anyway, that is what I have been up to. Lots more to do tomorrow.
Janet - Thanks for thinking of me. And this is way more than a "chemo thread". I like to think of it is as "support thread". So.. .ask any question you want. That said, it seems you got really good advice from some experts here. I went the hat route myself, so I would not be much help in that regard. But, I can tell you about a sleep cap. I got a cap that was light weight for night time and sleeping - I found it really did a lot to keep my head warm. Now.. you will be having this in the summer. But, in the winter, I really needed it. You can get one where you find most of the wigs and hats for cancer patients. Also, great news about the bone scan! I also discovered that I had some arthritis in my knees and big toes ! Given there was no bone mets, I did not even care about that. I guess everything is relative.
Cindy - Sounds like you are having great fun with the grand kids. What fun ! I suspect YOU will be the busy one over the next couple of days.
Sewbutton - My skin also started "oozing" toward the end of radiation. When this happened, they gave me an anti-biotic cream to prevent infection. But, unfortunately, oozing skin is a typical radiation side effect. What did your onc say ?
Chelev - I also had a rash of sorts on my head. Nearly made me crazy. The only thing that worked on it was Neosporin. Doc did not tell me that, but it was the only thing that worked. Glad your dinner was fun !
Well.. I better get back to work here.
Talk with you ladies later.
Jill
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Hello Everyone,
Just thought I'd sneak in and say hello. This thread helped me survive during my months of chemo and I really appreciate all the friends, thoughts and guidance I have received. It sound like the thread continues to be strong. Keep it up. I just finished radiation and am now dealing with the decisions regarding hormone therapy. There are always decisions to be made....but we will survive. Carry On! Kristi (Hi Jill)
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Evening Ladies
Shhhh the grandkids are sleeping its almost 11:00pm and I have time to sneak in a few lines...
chelev...Like Jill the only thing that helped was neosporin on the bumps. They do go away after a few days. Thanks for sharing the hat links...I will check them out.
Jill...good to see you post during your hard working week away. The spa sounds wonderful...I really enjoy the sea days when I cruise...thats when I hit the spa for some pampering.
Hi Kristi...glad you could pop in....and check back with us once in a while...
Today was doctor visit day...first with my GP...she will take off a couple of moles next Wednesday..she didn't like the looks of one on my face and will refer me for a biopsy. I have had it for some time...just never thought it was anything...we shall see. This is my GP who referred me to the surgeon after she saw my nipple. She was so glad that I got it taken care of and I mentioned to her that I saw the scared look on her face that day...she said she knew it wasn't good. She then went on to tell me about a couple of patients that she insisted to go get a mammo and they didn't and they have full blown cancer. She is more insistant now than ever for her patients to get checked...even when mine showed nothing..she said that we need to be our own health advocates and if we see something irregular to insist on getting it looked at.
Then I went to see my Onco doc..for my chemo follow=up and YES the infamous BUTT CRACK check-up. All is good and the itch is GONE but the BUTT crack is still there...LOL... Anyway..he has referred me to my surgeon for the port removal..yeah...He has also ordered a BONE scan and fasting Blood work (both to be done in a month) as he wants to check my colesterol before he can prescribe the pill I will be taking for 5 years. He then said for me to see him in a month from today. Gave me a big hug and sent me on my way. I also got a call today for a PETSCAN which will be done this Saturday. Then next Thursday I start my rads...and he mentioned again that I will be very tired and sore in the boob area. But he said its much easier than chemo...Whew...thats good news...
Well I am off to bed...gotta get some energy for those grandkids in the morning...LOL
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hello ladies,
I havent chimed in in a while, but I am still here checking on you all. Chelev, my mom had a terrible rash break out on her head. Started off as a simple annoyance but became very itchy and painful. They gave her a steroid cream to put on it at the oncology center, but, this made it worse. She ended up at the dermatologist where they did some cultures that all came back negative for staph or anything like that. Ended up calling it folliculitis that was worsened by the creams the oncology center prescribed. I guess it has to just run its course. Hers did clear up after about 2 weeks but has come up a little again on her head and she is also having breakouts on the face so......hang in there. Moms last BIG treatment is next Wednesday yeaaah!!! Hope you all have an easy night. Checking in on you all and thinking of you often. Shannon
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mommy2dex - thanks for the information! I am trying the fungal cream my onc prescribed for the "other" itch/rash I had - and I'll see how it looks today after I get home and get the wig off. It figures I have to get one last side effect from chemo!!
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Shannon...I can't believe its almost over for your mom...very cool...I will think of her next Wednesday...Yeahhhhhh...the last chemo.
Good news to share...got a call from my surgeons office and the PORT is coming out tomorrow at 11:50PST....Can't wait.....YIPPEEEE....
Then a PETSCAN on Saturday....I should just park my car at the doctors office....jeeze.....
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Thanks Mrs. CIndy. Happy to hear you get the alien out. Hope you are enjoying the visit with the grandkids. Shannon
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Congrats Crack, so much more comfortable without the contraption sticking out..........and it looks better, well it will when the scar heals..........just in time for summer!!!!!!!!! wooohoooooo
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Morning Ladies...
Well I am getting anxious and scared at the same time. I know it will hurt getting that Alien Boob out...but I will be glad when its all over. I will let you know my experience...this afternoon if I am not hurting too much.
Hugs ladies...
Cindy "Crack"
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Okay...had the port removed...
It first stung like a bee sting as he injected me with the local anisthetic and then in his office he surgically removed the port...this cute little purple mouse that has a long tail...he stitched me up and said that I can't swim for a couple of weeks until it healed....so now I have another battle scar to remind me of breast cancer....
But hey the ALIEN BOOB is GONE.....yeah!!!!
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Cindy,
Congratulations on having the port removed. I'm getting mine IN next Wednesday! So tell me, does it really stick out like an alien boob? I tried to get an idea of what I'm in for by searching Chemotherapy ports on Google images! A lot of different pictures, some hardly noticeable, but others did stick out quite a bit. Yikes!
Janet
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Hi Janet...
Well mine did stick out...it was noticeable. People looked at it but didn't say anything. It kind of looked like a huge zit. Not to scare you...as yours may not even look like mine did. I had the newest port called Power Port - Implantable Port... it came with an identification card, a bracelet, key ring and patient guide. The port had 3 nobules that protruded from underneath my skin. Thats why I called it the Alien Boob. My surgeon let me see it after he took it out and it looked like a purple mouse with a tail. It worked great during chemo and the nurse was always able to draw blood from it before inserting the chemo IVs. They place it of course right on your chest on the right side about 4 to 6 inches down from your collar bone. When I wear a "U" shape tank tops it shows. There will be a scar there as they cut through you twice. Once for putting it in and then again when taking it out. But this is so much better than living with cancer cells....The nurses agreed that it is much better than trying to find veins too.
Hope that helps and not scare you...it did its job for me and I am thankful.
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I would say Crack, that it looked more like a cyst...........at any rate, it was ugly..I couldn't sleep on that side or anything with that thing in..........and am so glad you got yours out too!!!!!!!!!! Mine was a Power Port too...although mine didn't really stick out as far as others I've seen..think I musta had more fat to hide it! ROTF........I was glad i had mine too, as my veins roll....they have to stick me like 3-4 times to find a vein they can catch........but I'm done with it, and done with cancer...........!
p.s. Told you it wouldn't hurt, the incision hurts more then getting it out!
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Crack! Heres your award fror Bravery....Going beyond the call of duty! lol
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Deb...You are too cute...thanks...and what are you doing up this late...I am trying to eat something before midnight...got some haagen dazs low fat frozen yogurt...YUMMMM
Now...Go to bed....LOL
Crack
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Hi, everyone. I too had my power port FINALLY removed yesterday morning - they called me to come in at 6:15 EST, and gave me a shot of happy juice, when I woke up, it was 8:30 a.m. and I was done! My DH and I went out for a great breakfast and then we came home so I could doze a little and put ice on the bandage. It does hurt where the incision was, but I can tell you it feels 100% better than having that piece of plastic in me. I do admit, it made the whole chemo process easier, but like others, I was never able to sleep on that side, and nobody could hug me because it always hurt. And yes, it stuck out on me too, like some weird triangular growth. My bs used the same scar for the removal incision, and signed my bandage with his initials and smiley face. Start rads on Tuesday, once I get the stitches out, and it seems the rash on my head is getting better. So, ladies, good luck to everyone starting or still receiving chemo - I am awed at your bravery to do it - and hope nobody has to go through the secondary side effects and complications I did.
Happy Mother's Day to all!
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Chelev, Congrats on getting the port out!! I get mine out on Wednesday.....thank God. You are right it is very uncomfortable, and I too do not sleep on that side. Mine is being taken out using a local, so they said it only takes about 15 minutes or so, hey the quicker the better
I ditto the Happy Mothers Day!!!
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Hello, Everyone !
I am back in Cincinnati now. Arrived late last night. The training was the best of this particular type I have attended, although my head is swimming now.
First, congrats to all that had their ports removed. I still have mine and will until next March or so. Will be getting herceptin until next January and then the doc wants to wait a couple months until the port comes out. So, the alien is with me for a while.
That said, Janet - I don't seem to have as many problems with mine as I hear some of the ladies talking about. I guess I am lucky in that regard. I have had mine since last October - so it almost feels like a part of me now. Perhaps I have resigned myself to having it a long time. But, in general, I think the amount it "sticks out" is dependent upon where they put it and your physiology.
Mine does not stick out hardly at all (and I am not a big person). There is a little "bump" in my upper left chest just under my collarbone. I also don't have a problem sleeping on that side. In fact, when I had a massage this last week, the therapist accidentally pushed on it and I jumped. I told her that I had a port there, and she squinted down at it and said... "Wow.. I can hardly see that". That said, it has been a God send during treatment for both putting stuff in and taking stuff out. It gets a little stingy once in a while, especially when I am in the car and pull the seatbelt over it. But, that is about all I notice it.
Anyway, I hope that helps.
As for me, I am off to the cardiologist next Tuesday. I still had some twinges while I was out of town, but they seem to be lessening. I am now wondering if the time off of treatment has allowed me to "recover". It would be my luck - and the cardiologist will wonder why the hell I am wasting his time. Oh well... better safe than sorry.
Hope you ladies are doing well. Have a great Saturday !
Jill
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Hello Ladies,
Thanks for the info regarding ports! Now I have some kind of idea of what to expect. I can't wait to get it in and start receiving chemo as soon as possible so that I can be done with that phase as soon as possible. I keep telling myself that 16 weeks is not that long. I was an adult college student so to me, 16 weeks is one semester, and I know that it goes pretty fast.
My mother had her radical hysterectomy Thursday and is doing well. Hopefully she'll be discharged Sunday. We are also in the midst of a Soccer Tournament weekend with my 15 year old daughter so it will be a busy weekend. (ah, the little life commitments that keep our world churning, right Jill? ) I hope you all have a great Mother's Day weekend.
Janet
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Janet - Like Jill, I have not had any problems with my port - I am only aware of it if my bra strap happens to irritate it, or if I am showering and rub a bit too briskly. I also sleep on my side,and had a much harder time adjusting to sleeping on the mastectomy side than the port side.
Mine is also just under the collarbone, and I am pretty thin - as far as I'm concerned, it is one of the least noticable things I have gone through!
I think it is about as individual as everything else is in this journey. You will have to decide for yourself, but it is important to know that not all of our experiences are the same, and we will hope for you to be one of the fortunate.
Geri
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Morning Ladies...
I slept in this morning so I won't want to eat before I go in for my PETSCAN this morning. If you have not had one...its about a two hour session. They first shoot some radioactive dye in your bloodstream - then you wait an hour. They lay you down on this sliding table and wrap a blanket on you as the room is cold. They then slowly run you through this donut hole looking machine and you have to be very still for about 45 minutes to an hour. Its not fun...but it does take a look to see if the sugar radioactive formula sticks to any cells. I just hope I get the all clear...LOL
Chelev...wow that was fast too....So glad you got your port out. You are lucky you got happy juice. I was awake and watched the operation go down. It was pretty interesting and what was weird was watching him sew me up like a quilt. LOL
Believe...congrats on getting your port out too.....yeah.....one more thing done and checked off our list...
Janet...Please keep in mind everyone is different and there are so many options for you. Glad that others were able to chime in and give you a sence of their experiences. And most importantly so glad your mother is doing well...hope she has a speedy recovery.
Jill... So glad you are home now and can get some much needed rest. So good to hear that twinges are there verses sharper pains. Still need to be our own advocates when it comes to our bodies...you know whats best for you...
Today I took my outer bandage off...there are surgical tapes across the inscion which I am to leave them alone for a week or so or just let them fall off. The stitches will disinegrate on their own. I wasn't as sore as I thought I would be...I was able to sleep on that side too!
Have a great Saturday Ladies..it should be again in the high 80's here in Northern CA.
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WOW this group goes in spurts..one week hardly any posts, the next week, BAM!
Congrats to all who got their ports out! Crack will be glad to share her award for bravery! I wanted mine out as it's a reminder of chemo, cancer....I will be glad when my scars heal, and I'm done with radiation and my hair grows back, I want no reminders of this beast. Although how I will forget it I have no idea, I'll always be petrified now. I did however run into a friend of mine at the store yesterday, she had her Dad with her..Her Dad is super nice, looks so healthy. Turns out he's beaten cancer 3, yes THREE times! and in between those bouts, he had open heart surgery. He couldn't believe I had already had my port taken out. I told him I don't plan on ever needing it again and I was thinking positive. But his journey made mine seem so trivial or something, 3 times, wow..I don't know how I would handle that.
Jill I will be thinking of you Tuesday...know that we're all there with you in spirit and it's probably just that, body quirks!
Love , hugs and prayers
Deb
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Happy Saturday my ladies,
I am over visiting mom and we were discussing my friends here on this thread. As mentioned before, moms last dose is Wednesday. We were talking about radiation and I mentioned that I read somewhere here that something was "oozing" breastwise during treatment for someone. We wondered if anyone could clear this up. Was it from an original surgery site or from a radiation burn? Or am I making it up all together? I will be anxious for response on this one. Any way. Hope everyone is well this weekend and a very happy mothers day to all of you mommies out there. You are all so special. Take care all, Shannon
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Shannon -
Hi ! I believe I am the one that wrote about the oozing (as did Sewbutton). Toward the end of my radiation treatment, my skin started "oozing". It was not at the surgery site. Rather, it was due to a radiation "burn". Specifically, my skin started oozing under my breast. At the time the doctor ordered me to start a special anti-biotic cream to prevent infection from the open skin. I did not get this until about 4-5 weeks in. I am pretty fair skinned, so it was not that much of a surprise. They almost stopped me to allow my skin to heal. I begged them to keep going, because I just wanted to be done.
Anyway, everything healed fine after that. I hope that helps.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you too !
Jill
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Evening Ladies...
Well the PETSCAN was a non event...same as last time. I held very still...it seemed like forever but was over before I knew it.
Jill...I asked my rad onco about my scar on my breast...its about 4 inches across where the nipple was...anyway I asked if the radiation would make the scar open up and he said no. Do I am holding him to it....LOL I would think it would irritate where my scar is...but we shall see.
We are going to my daughters in the morning...she lives near Monterey...so if we don't chat...
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY....LADIES and especially to Shannon's Mom....
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Hello Ladies !
Since it is Mother's Day, I thought it only appropriate to change my picture to one of me and my kids !
I hope everyone is having a wonderful day.
Jill
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Thanks Mrs. Cindy. Hope you had a fantastic day with your daughter and family.
Love the photo Mrs. Jill.
Moms labs were fine today, onward to Wednesday and the final session. Talk to you all later. Take care, Shannon
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Good Afternoon Ladies...
Jill...what a beautiful family you have...great to see new pictures of you.
Shannon...great to hear moms labs are good to go.
Well I just cut off the last of my dead toenails...uglyeeee. Just in time for summer. I hope they start growing along with my hair....
I am going in Wednesday to have a couple of moles removed. My surgical stitches and tape is still in tact and hopefully I am healing under there. I went to my eye doc and got new glasses, I will call to make my dentist appointment. I am trying to get everything done so I can say I am taking care of myself....
I start Rads on Thursday...will be counting down the 33...hoping it goes smoothly and there are no hiccups.
My feet are a little swollen today...it could be the heat...I will try to keep them up and see if they get better...
Have a great week ladies...
BTW...Jill...I just called AETNA and they gave me a new case manager...evidently the other one left a couple of weeks ago. I have had no communication or letters stating I am approved for May...when I called they said the doctor needs to provide more information. More than the 3 pages he submitted in April for the May benefit. These Insurance companies are all tweeked and think that our doctors have nothing better to do than to fill out forms for their patients. It could be just my carrier...but I don't think so...
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Oh my, Cruise..I have Aetna also and I requested a case manager 2 months ago..she finally called me last month AFTER I had handled everything,. Then I got a letter this week telling me about this great case management program that Aetna had thought of for me ( b**l) and please call this person- guess what..number disconnected. Your case manager didn't have an area code 203 number did she...how funny would that be if they were the same person!
Geri
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