first chemo done

Hello, all !

Got time for a quick one tonight.. .too tired for much else.

Shannon - Good luck to your Mom with her LAST treatment.  Yea!!!

Cindy - Thanks for the compliment.  I am just a little biased, but I think my kids are pretty teriffic !  You are quite the medical marvel over the past couple of days.

As for your insurance carrier.. hmmm... I have to admit, I have heard from quite of few ladies, and few have the horror stories you have had to tell.  I mean, dammit.. how many docs have to jump through these kinds of hoops to "justify" keeping their patients out of work when they are going through chemo and radiation?    Geri's last note kind of reaffirmed my feeling on this as well.    Did you ever call that other number in regard to patient's rights ?     I will almost guarantee that when your FMLA time (which is federally guaranteed time) ran out, is when you started having issues with the insurance provider.   Geri.. you should watch out for that as well.   I think (but am not sure) that FMLA is typically 12 weeks annually - in other words, FMLA allows for 12 weeks annually for disability in which an employer cannot take action against an employee for disability.   (FMLA stands for Family and Medical Leave Act).   

Let us know what you find out.

Jill

Jill, great new photo!  You and the kids look great!

Here's a question to everyone on or who went through chemo - I am dealing with one last se from the chemo - it really messed up my digestive system (I have IBS - the kind with constipation), and I seem to have developed I think a hemorroid.  Anyone else have this happen?  Now I guess I need to get some Prep H.  I've already started on softeners to help.  Still dealing with the breakouts on my scalp, but think I'm gaining the upper hand in that battle.  The vinegar rinse has been helpful, and refreshing, although my dog keeps smelling my head like I've dropped a salad on it!

Thanks, Cruise.  I'm headed to the drugstore immediately after my first rads.  Glad to hear I'm not the only one!!  I will be careful - and hopefully this will subside on its own too!

It has been quiet - maybe that is a good thing - everyone feeling good and busy?

Geri...are you still in chemo?  If so did you have a Nuelasta shot? I had a fever a couple of times..and tylenol and rest did the trick.

Jill...I haven't called the number yet.  I am waiting to see what action I will take with the company.  I have heard that the managers are all stressed and pulling their hair out.  Not sure what I want to do at this point.  I guess get through the Rads and then find out more from those managers who are still there...hmmm maybe a package would be in the works..wouldn't that be nice.  As you know my 12 weeks ran out on May 4th.  In regards to my company...they have the right to replace my position...and if I return give me a 30 day job search.  I am still not sure if that is what will happen...my guess is that they will try to fit me in somewhere in the company. 

Janet...Our best wishes and good luck tomorrow for a successful operation.  You will be fine...and the port will be an ease....We will be there holding your hand...cyberly...LOL

Good Evening, Ladies !

Got time for a quick one before I am off to a band concert that my daughter is playing in.

Cindy - So.. do you have any more news about your insurance and/or job situation ?   I did know most of what you told me as we have been conversing on it.  It just continues to fry me.  Grrrrr....  Just want you to focus on getting better.

Janet - I hope your surgery went well.  I know you may be too tired or sore to respond, but just be aware we are thinking about you !!

Shannon - Tell your Mom congrats from me !   Outstanding.   It does feel like a milestone, doesn't it ?

Geri - Sorry to hear about all your problems with the temp and stuff.   Have things been a little better ?    

Off to the band concert !  Talk to you later.

Jill  

Hello everyone,

Well, I've had a port for less then 24 hours and I can already tell you - I'm not lovin' it!   Now I know what you all meant when you called it the "alien".  Although I haven't taken any pain medication, it's sore and tender and just feels like it doesn't belong in my body!  Hopefully, in a few days it will be less tender but for now it feels like whenever I walk or do stairs, it's jiggling inside my chest! 

The Sentinel Node Biopsy looked good in the Operating Room.  My surgeon explained that they cut the lymph node in two in the OR to get a quick test; then they send it off for further dissection to confirm the OR biopsy.  It's at that time, I'll send up the victory banner, but for now, I'm cautiously optimistic.    Between the port on my left side, and the biopsy on my right, I'm pretty sore all over.  Some goof ball physical therapist at the hospital have me exercises to do "post breast surgery".  (mostly for lumpectomy, mastectomy, SNB )  I don't think she counted on the having the port implanted because one of the exercises was to bend at the waist and have your dangling hand make circles - but when I bent at the waist, it felt like the port wanted to bust through the incision!   

Cruise:  We'll be waiting to hear about your first Rad. session.  Try not to worry about the moles.  Hopefully it will be nothing but I understand that the waiting is so frustrating! 

Janet

 Hi Ladies...

Janet...good to hear everything went well for you. Yes the ALIEN feels funny at first...you will get use to it in there.  Give it some time...but it will annoy you regardless. 

I just took off the bandages from the port removal...and its not pretty.  I look like I got shot and stitched up again...urrghhh it better heal nice and even. Damn thing is right on the chest so low cut tops are not going to be good for a while.

Well the first Rad was good didn't take long and they took some pictures/xray type and then zapped me a couple of times right and then left.  The tech gave me some markings and told me not to move AT ALL...and if my nose itched to NOT itch it or move.  I moved my feet a tiny bit and she said DONT MOVE...I will give you grace this time because its your first but no more...YIKES...I guess I need to pretend I am a STIFF each time.

I was also asked to see my Rad Doc as it is Thursday and every Thursday he will see me.  Even though its my first time he wanted to be sure if I had any questions.  He recommended that I don't swim in a hot tub..as it would irritate the boob.  He said I could swim but to wash off the chlorine.  I have open sores from the port and the moles being removed so I won't be swimming anytime soon. He also said that it was good that I had the mole punched for a biopsy...he said its better to get at those things now.

Well I think I am going to make some lunch and then rest.

Hope everyone is doing well....hugs...

Deb...You are a scream....I feel like that actually happened.

Sorry about your drain...damn what else can you get. 

If its any consulation...I look like I got in a fight with a cat....bandaids everywhere....MEOW....

Hang in there....

Hugs...Crack

Deb..its a good thing she aspirated it...it could get really infected.

Get better...we need to get you on Rads.....

Mrs. Cindy Love the new photo.  You look so sunny and beautiful!

Geri sure hope you get to feeling better soon. 

Deb loved the post of the lady preparing dinner next to the microwave.  I will share this with my mom.  She will appreciate it.  That is some sense of humor you have there lady!

Jill how are you feeling?  Any word on when you will be able to continue Herceptin or have you already resumed?  Also I have some questions reference the BRCA testing.  They did test mom and we are waiting on the results.  My question is, if this returns positive for the gene,  how far down the family line would this information be beneficial?  I know that it would be a given for my sister and I to be tested, but, we have cousins by my mothers brother.  Our brother has a daughter.  My sister and I both have sons etc..etc...  Do you have any information or a site I could look up to see how this genetic stuff works and how far down the line we should consider testing.  We would be very happy to know that she is negative for this gene, but, nevertheless I would like to educate myself on this topic.

Hope this evening finds all of you well.  Have an easy weekend.     Shannon

Cruise - great news about your biopsy results - wonderful way to start off your weekend.  Thanks for the good wishes-temp hasn't been over 99.5 today so I am hopeful that this is past.

I foolishly (for me) watched the Farrah Fawcet special tonight...shouldn't have done that. At 9:45, I locked the dog in the guest room, and finished watching it, but cried most of the way through.

I'm off to bed now, hoping that tomorrow brings sunshine!

Geri

Hello everyone !

Sorry I have not posted in a while.  Things have been a little crazy.   Last week was the LONGEST week.   Just too much going on.   Lots to catch up on here.  

OK.. first... I did have my appointment with the cardiologist.  My dream was that they would take an EKG, say "your're good" and send me on my merry way.    They did take the EKG, and he said it was "mostly normal" (what ever the hell that means - my poking at that did not clear that up any).   He said he does not expect any overt blockages or anything like that.   However, he did schedule a stress test for this Friday at 7 am (oh joy).   It is one of those fancy ones with the doppler readings and stuff.   He says he is looking for any sort of microvascular stuff that could explain the tightness in the chest.   What this means, however, is that my scheduled herceptin for this Wed. is also now delayed. So, I am now 7 weeks behind schedule and this means 7 weeks longer to wait to be done.  I am aggravated by this - BUT glad they are being careful with the ticker.

So.. here is the plan... I get the stress test done this Friday.   He is going to read it in real time, so I will know the answer.  Assuming it is OK, I will begin herceptin again the following Wed. and doc wants me to get an appointment with the gastroenterologist to check for reflux.  So far,  have been procrastinating on that.   I will wait to get the heart thing done first.   Tired of doctors. 

Anyway, let's check on you guys..

Janet - Great news on the biopsy!  You could use some good news.   As for the "alien" - mine really bugged me at first too.  But, I will say it is hardly noticeable now.. maybe I just got used to it or something.   You will appreciate it in treatment.   Just so you know, though, I had my nodes removed last August, and I still get poofy under my arm and a little sore once in a while.   So that one appears to be a slow heal.   Hang in there.  When do you start treatment ?  (I got my first treatment like 3 days after getting my port put in - was not thrilled by that). 

Kelly - Welcome to the thread !   Let us know how you are progressing through treatment.  

Cindy - Whew !   Great news on the biopsy of that mole.  Glad you got the checked, and even happier that it was not cancer.  That would have been a real kick in the pants.   So far it sounds like radiation is treating you about as well as can be expected.  Just keep plowing through.  And for the record... you would be the LAST person I would want to end up with in a cat fight because I know I would lose (well.. Deb might also qualify for that role as well - but either way, you two are close).   Also, I agree with everyone else... great picture.. and Roxy is so cute.  I am a BIG dog lover, although mine is sitting here annoying the hell out of me right now while I try to write this.  He wants a walk and is crying like a big baby. 

Deb - I also had to get aspirated after my surgery.   While I did not like it (practically fainted when she pulled out that needle), I felt like 110% better afterwards.   Was amazed at how much she pulled out.    Luckily, I only had to do it once.   It poofed up again, but was small enough to be reabsorbed the second time.  I hope it is the same with you. 

Geri - Damn.... what is going on with you.  What a sucky time to get sick on top of everything else.   The problem with getting sick when you are going through treatment or have been through treatment is that there are way too many variables to check out.  It can be really exasperating.  Are you doing better today?  I could not bring myself to watch the Farrah Fawcett thing.   Too close to home right now - even if her cancer was way more advanced.  Despite that, I admire her courage in the face of her adversity, even as I have all the ladies I have met on their journeys.

Shannon - Hi.  The genetic question you asked gets a little complicated.   Did your Mom talk with a genetic counselor before the test ?   The reason I am asking is that usually they take a family history prior to sending out the test.   If it comes back positive, they will look at your family history and make recommendations in regard to testing of other family members.  

But.. here is a short primer for you.  First, contrary to popular belief, the gene mutation can come from either Dad or Mom.  It comes in on an X chromosome and because women have two of these (one from each parent), it can come in on either side.  So... if your mom carries, it could have been passed from either of her parents.   That is why it hard to say what is "true" in regard to cousins or the like - it depends who had it to begin with.  So, here is the deal - if your Mom comes back positive, then they will likely ask you and/or your sister to be tested (but probably not your cousins).  Now, if YOU come back negative, the implication for your son is quite good because you passed on his X chromosome and it would be clean - so he would not be carrying it.  If you are tested and come back positive, then he could potentially have it, but the BRCA gene has been somewhat linked with prostate cancer in men, which they test for via blood test (PSA) beginning at age 40 - so they typically catch this quite early if it was there.  

Now I am probably going to confuse the heck out of you, but I am not convinced that BRCA is the end all to beat all.  Basically, I think this is the gene mutation they have discovered to date (and thank goodness they have) - there are more coming that are still undiscovered.   The genetic counselor even told me that.   The reason I tell you this is that we can worry about genetics, but it is still such an open field, that eventually most everything we have will be explained in some form or another.  So, I choose not to worry about something I can't control.   I hope that makes sense.   And just so you know, I am a little surprised that they tested your Mom in the first place.  Typically they don't test women over 50 for this because most of the time breast cancer over 50 is not associated with the BRCA mutation.  So, your chances of it coming back negative are good.   (Never say never, but odds are in your favor on this one).   I hope this helps. 

 Whew!!  I hope I got everyone.   Have a happy Sunday everyone !

Jill

Shannon -

Thanks for the clarification of the situation.   That explained a lot.  Now.. I am not sure if your Mom wants you to know this or not, but she is giving you a special gift if she is paying for this out of pocket - but typically self requested BRCA tests are paid out of pocket (if the genetic counselor ordered it, insurance will usually cover).   This is one really expensive test (can cost up to $4000).    The reason why it is so expensive is that it is basically run in one place in the country (in Utah) that has patented the methodology.  So, until it comes off patent, it will continue to be really expensive. 

As for genetic counseling - basically, a genetic counselor will have a piece of graph paper and ask you a bunch of nosy questions about your family history.   He/She will then draw on the graph paper a "coded" family tree of sorts detailing where cancer resides and what types.   For BRCA they typically look for breast cancer under 50, prostate cancer under age 68, colon cancer and pancreatic cancer to determine the odds for the BRCA mutation.    Did your Mom have this family tree drawn by a person prior to her blood draw ?    If so, that was the genetic counseling session.

I hope this helps.  And good luck to your sister.  And remember, even if BRCA comes back negative, it does not preclude other types of genetic factors that can influence the family's health.   

Jill  

Yeah Jill I didn't care for that needle either....My B.S. (Karen) called me a chicken sh*t! LOL  Tell ya what though, that area is still very very sore....