Starting Chemo February 2009?

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited May 2009
    Happy Birthday living4today!!!  Mine was last week!  I still think it is funny that we have so many things in common!Laughing
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  • gcpommom
    gcpommom Member Posts: 883
    edited May 2009

    Happy Birthday living4today, and belated happy birthday to you, Michele!!!  

    Taxol ladies:  regarding bone pain, it's been a bit more frequent, but I notice it is always worse in the morning hours before I get up....the pain wakes me up repeatedly.  But once I'm up and about, it is more like tired, achy legs, instead of that searing pain. I'd blame it on inactivity, but even when I am laid up on the couch for the whole day, I still only get achiness, not this awful pain I get when sleeping.  Anyone else?

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  • xpectmiracles
    xpectmiracles Member Posts: 439
    edited May 2009

    Happy birthday, living4today! I will have a treat in your honor. Maybe some rhubarb pie...

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited May 2009

    happy birthday living4today!

    there is something so special about being born in May.. it is the most gorgeous month of all.

    (as i mentioned before 'if i'm a Taurus, how come i have cancer?')

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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited May 2009

    Living4today and Michele  Happy May Birthdays to both of you!  I think I'll join expectmiracles in having some rhubarb pie to celebrate your special days.

    Michele--regarding the biophos. trial--I'm 62; had a bone density screening about 5 years ago (before BC) as osteoporosis is prevalent on my mom's side of the family.  My results were fine then, but with the BC and TN diagnosis, I'm going to check with my onc when I go back Friday. Thanks for the information--appreciate your input. 

    Furies--here's hoping you have a good day.  I'm so glad we can be here for each other!  Take care--Helen

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited May 2009

    Living4today and Michele~ Happy birthday to both of you and I wish you MANY, MANY more :)

    I am filling my paperwork for the trail and I will turn it in tomorrow to get it started :)  I have started my dreadadron and I have added something else to my shirt and I will get a real picture tomorrow and post it :).  I'm am ready even if I don't wanta do it (it a whinny voice) but I will be there at 8am tomorrow to start my infusion.  I started my CoQ10 today also trying to give any little boost I can to my heart.

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited May 2009

    ooh.. and happy birthday MichelleS =

    yay May!

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  • gcpommom
    gcpommom Member Posts: 883
    edited May 2009

    Jaimie, so glad your last chemo is tomorrow, happy happy joy joy!  What does the CoQ10 do for the heart?

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited May 2009

    It apparently is for heart health.  My onc. was thrilled I asked about it and wanted to take it.  I started today and I haven't had any taste in my mouth or anything so whooo.  Dreadadron has kicked in and I can barely sit still....grrrr...gotta take 2 sleeping pills tonight.  So after tomorrow I go into the chemo. hole but I am hoping it's going to be an easy one.  Thank you for always listening to me whine :)  I am not sure what I would do without all of you. 

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  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 347
    edited May 2009

    Jaimieh:  good luck tomorrow for your LAST chemo!  You have to imagine each of us clad in boas, dancing with your IV pole, as Webbie started our tradition.  Take photos if you can!  Celebrate!

    And afterwards may your time in the chemo crash cave be SHORT and bearable! 

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited May 2009

    Thank you Linda :)  I will be posting a picture in the AM of what I am wearing but it's mellow in comparison to Webbie:)  Now I just hope I get my favorite Nurse.

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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited May 2009

    Jaimieh--Woo Hoo!  Congrats on graduating!  Hope your celebration is terriffic!  Helen

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited May 2009

    seems our members are decreasing.. that is so good.

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited May 2009

    I am done with TC...WHOOOO.  I also got herceptin today and I will continue thru the next of year.  So far I am just exhausted from the drugs.  So I'll be back later :)

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited May 2009

    Judy~ I had more bone pain this round than for any of the other ones... It was pretty constant (all weekend long) regardless of what I was doing.  However, when I was up and about, I was dwelling on it less.  It has eased considerably today.

    Jaimeih~ Congrats!!

    Helen~ 62 and a family history should qualify you for zometa (off-trial) if you can't do both trials at once. Insurance may try to deny it initially but your oncologist can appeal it for you.  It shouldn't be an issue...

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  • Artemis
    Artemis Member Posts: 759
    edited May 2009
    Yay, Jamieh!!!  Pole dancing and cake for everyone!
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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited May 2009

    Hey Jamieh-Congrats on your last TC!!!!

    I am in my last week of rads.  My skin is NOT happy. I was almost hoping that today when they saw my raw open skin under my arm they would tell me that I could stop.. but no such luck.  Onward till Friday...

    Sounds like everyone is doing ok and nearing the end of the chemo nightmare!

    Sue

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited May 2009

    Hang in ther Sue only 4 more days you can do it!! 

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  • gcpommom
    gcpommom Member Posts: 883
    edited May 2009

    Michele:  my bone pain was much better today, too.  But back for tx#7 tomorrow, already!  Going weekly sure seems like I am constantly going in, before I know it, Tuesday is here again!

    Sue:  ow, I am so sorry to hear about your raw skin, ouch!  Are you allowed to put anything on it for relief?

    On a good note, I am allowed to go back to my local center for tx now; they tried to schedule me for the wee hours of the morning at the hospital, so I asked if I could go back, and they said yes.  That makes life a bit easier. 

    I'll tell you what I'm looking forward to, besides the end of chemo, and that is:  end of the school year!  I can't wait to sleep in, and have my son at home every day; I love having him at home, he has such an awesome, if not slightly warped, sense of humor and having him here cheers me up.  I will finish chemo about 2 weeks after school ends, so we are both looking forward to June!

    Hugs

    Judy

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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited May 2009

    Michele,  Thanks for the information.  I'm going in for T#3 Friday and will ask my onc.  Helen

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  • living4today
    living4today Member Posts: 215
    edited May 2009

    Hey Jamieh-Congrats on your last TC!!!!

     Sue, sorry to hear about the skin...so happy for you that this is the last week!

    Judy, my dd last day of school was last Friday and although I am still working every day, I love that she is home too....especially since she is 13, so she can help me make it through the next 6 weeks.

     Michele, that bone pain is something else isn't it...last weekend I had to even take some Vicodin to make it through...this weekend I have been getting by with Advil 200mg three tablets every 3 to 4 hours.  I did tell my husband this afternoon, if the fatigue gets much worse, I may cut back to 32 hours a week until the end of treatment....too bad we need the money.

    Did any of you watch the Farah movie this weekend?  Boy, she sure said some of the exact things I have said about chemo.  We had a picnic lunch with our kids today (21, 19 and 13).,..I told them about the movie and they all said "who's Farah??"  Guess we are getting a bit old...

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  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 347
    edited May 2009

    Yes, I saw the documentary and thought it was quite good.  But sad.  She sure has fought the good fight, hasn't she?

    I posted a thread on this board about the movie and got only one reply.  Maybe because we don't like to think about how some cancers aren't won.  It made me think a lot.

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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited May 2009

    I taped the Farah show and watched it today.  I think I turned it off and on about 10 times since I couldn't focus for more than 15 minutes at a time.

    I only have one more Taxol left!!!  The semi truck paid me a visit on Friday and I have pretty much been in bed on Lortabs since then.  My oncologist suggested that maybe we switch to Taxotere for the last 2 treatments and I told him no way in heck!!  There are reported cases where some of the gals are still bald 3 years out of chemo (Taxotere) and since I seem to get every single freaking side effect, there was no way I was taking the chance.  I told him as long as he loaded me up with Lortabs then I can deal with the excruciating pain.

    On my good days I have been walking 2 miles.  I want to get in a daily routine but the chemo is preventing me from doing this.  My oncologist did prescribe me some anti-depressants since I am getting so bitchy between the steroids and menopause.  Hopefully they will take affect in a couple of weeks.

    I got so mad at my dh this week (roid rage) that I actually threw dishes in the garbage can because he and my stepson were too lazy to dry them and put them up (our diswasher had broken) and no.......I don't feel bad about it at all since they were ugly and came from his ex-wife when he left her.  She was so generous, they had at least 5 different sets of dishes and she was so kind that she gave him 4 black plates and 4 bowls.  Oh yes...she gave him 4 forks and 4 knives and 2 old pans.  She has since sold everything for drug money.  Obviously steroids and hot flashes don't make me a happy camper.

    I haven't been around much and when I logged on there were 50 posts that I hadn't read.  I think depression is hitting me hard now but I keep trying to tell myself - one more treatment, only one more chemo!

    It seems like every time I post, I am just whining about one thing or another.  I never thought it would be this hard.

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  • living4today
    living4today Member Posts: 215
    edited May 2009

    I actually missed watching it on tv, but did find it on the web and watched last night.  (glad you could spell documentary...I kind of have chemo fog tonight)   My mom and sister watched it and although they cried, they said it really helps them to understand the battle we all fight when we do chemo, radiation, procedures, etc.  Couldn't almost just feel her pain?  It made me think alot too....I'll look for your post...What really helped me was seeing her fight the good fight and still have her "teary" moments.  Sometimes it is such a struggle when we have the fears/tears and we are supposed to "think positive"....well, I do think positive, but this is "tough" stuff we are all trying to conquer!!

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  • living4today
    living4today Member Posts: 215
    edited May 2009

    Jancie--if ever there is a time in our life that we are allowed a little "road rage", I think this would be it!  Yup, this stuff is tough, but remember you are tougher because you are choosing to keep fighting!  You go girl!!

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  • gcpommom
    gcpommom Member Posts: 883
    edited May 2009

    Oh Jancie, I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time.  You're almost done, one more to go, hang in there.  I know what you mean about this being so hard, I get sick of it, too.  But you come here and whine all you want!!  We're here for you.  I thought it was funny that you threw the dishes in the trash, good for you; I, too, am sick of waking up to a sink full of dishes that weren't there when I went to bed.  I know how you feel, steroids and bone pain and hot flashes and fatigue all STINK, and maybe throwing some dishes would be good therapy!   

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited May 2009
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  • gcpommom
    gcpommom Member Posts: 883
    edited May 2009

    Jaimie:  Your shirt came out beautifully, you look so pretty, what a great pic; congratulations on finishing!!!!

    Hugs

    Judy

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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited May 2009

    Jancie--"Just one more," " Just one more" (chanting) "Just ONE more." Woo Hoo!  I think you should break all the dishes you want ...we're entitled!   Also, sometime, would you post a pic or two of your horses?  My 8 yr. old grandd. saw your avitar and was asking about them...she's so into riding; is very excited that my other son's horse is foaling in three weeks--can hardly wait.

    Jamieh--You look wonderful!  Love the shirt.

    I'm so happy that many of us are "graduating"--but honestly, a little envious.  Is there anyone else who's going to be here all summer with me??   Take care.  Helen

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  • suzmarks
    suzmarks Member Posts: 83
    edited May 2009

    Hello Furies, popping in to send my regards. So glad to see more and more of us completing our chemo portion of treatment. I will be joining the completers for my 6th and final tx on Wed. (just like Bethie who's also in Albany but not getting tx in the same place). It's kind of unreal to realize this does end at some point. After close to 4 months of treatments it kind of became an unwelcome way of life. What's also interesting is hearing friends and family be so upbeat for me about the ending of chemo. While it's certainly appreciated I feel like they think my cancer treatment is over and I can put this whole thing behind me. I know and I suspect most of us feel like cancer is a part of our lives. Yes, I also see how real it is that some us get cancer back. (Sorry if I'm saying things that may be offensive or upsetting). So while it's a bit of a celebratory time it's also somewhat contemplative for me. I do want to say how much this site has been a part of my whole cancer experience and that I have referred to it so many times when discussing breast cancer. I'm not sure if this site is truly reflective of a cross-section of women who have bc across the US. I suspect it's more skewed to a younger group and probably a more educated group of women with bc. I wonder about the differences between each month's Starting Chemo. Are they all so vibrant and active as this one? Anyways it's been great being a part of this site and my best wishes go out to all of you. I'm glad those who have finished are still contributing. Do people have as strong a showing in a radiation group after this? Do people still keep in touch on this site a year later? Healing and happiness to all. Dexmethazone here I come...

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