Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?

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

    Deen, my teeth have been aching a lot lately. Do you think it could be from Tx? I am concerned enough that I am calling the dentist tomorrow.

    Hopefully we will hear about my pathology soon. If the lymph nodes are positive, it may mean more chemo, and I so do not want to do that. But i that is what I ned to do to survive, I will.

    I made an appointment to get my hair cut tomorrow. It si straight and wiry and is standing up all over my head. Not my favorite look. I am hoping that the stylist can tame it a bit.

    Chelli, welcome back online!

    Bette 

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  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 597
    edited July 2009

    Hi Bette, I know that the chemo shut down our estrogen, which leads to bone loss, including the bones in our jaws and teeth.  If you have aches, you should definitely see a dentist, and of course let him/her know what you have been going through.

    Did they biopsy your lymph nodes, too?  I'm still praying for good results for you.

      In my case, the Zometa that they gave me for bone density has a small possible SE of jaw necrosis, which I looked up and is just horrendous!  After starting Zometa, it's not good to do any tooth extractions or perio work because it could cause this to happen.  Well, I needed a lot of work done and now I don't know what to do, so I made an appt with a periodontist who is familiar with this drug and maybe he can help me.  I hope so.

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited July 2009

    Have any of you recieved a pm from a jullykaffa (Julia Kaffa)? She reports that she has leukemia, living in Singapore etc.  FYI..... this is a scam!!!!!  They make you think that they have millions of dollars to share with them if you will only help them get to it.  These people are preying on  others for money.  Be careful!  I don't understand how anyone could try to infiltrate a forum such as ours.  I find this to be  inconcievable and disgusting.  To try to take advantage of others who are having to deal with painful issues is so unbelievable.

    I wish there was some way to report a private message but I don't know how.  They have somehow infiltrated the pm sections of our forums.  I have cut and pasted a copy of what she or he sent to me so you can be aware if one comes to you. 

    -------------------------------------------------------------

     Greeting to you.

    I have a blood cancer (Lucamia).

    With due respect and humbleness. I am Mrs. Julia Kaffa. From Singapore but now undergoing medical treatment. I was married to Mr Benson. who worked with a cocoa company in London for nine years. Before he died in the year 2007, We were both married for eleven years with only one daughter, who is presently eight years of age.
     
    He (my husband) died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of £4.5 million in a security company in the Halifax Bank here in London. And he deposited it as family valuables not as money. I will send you the contact details of the company.

    Recently, my doctor told me that I have a limited time on earth. Having known my condition and believing the doctor, I have willed this money to and my other assets my only daughter for her welfare while I'm gone. I have also mapped out some part of this money to help churches, orphanages, widows and propagating the Gospel and to ensure that the house of God is maintained.


    I took this decision because I don't know how long I have to live on this earth and my husband's relatives are fighting over the properties and I don't want my husband's hard earned money to be misused by their greedy attitude, while my daughter suffer hardship, hence the reason for taking this bold decision.

    I would want you to do this good work of for me because I cannot do it with my present predicament. I want to hand my daughter over to you, for you to protect her and all my assets that I have willed to her, until she is old enough to take care of her self and take over. First of all, I want you to receive this money and take my daughter out of this country to anywhere you feel that will be safe for her, then my late husband's lawyer will have over all the documents of all my late husbands assets in and outside this country to you for safe keeping, until my daughter is of age.

    As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact information of the company and the contact information of my late husband's lawyer, so that you will contact him for a letter of authority to make claim of the money on my behalf for this purpose. Please send me these information about your self, so that I will also send it to my lawyer for the letter of authorization.

    Your true nationality:
    Occupation:
    Age:
    Direct telephone number:
    private email address:

    Please I am believing that you can be trusted in a matter like this, so promise me that you will use this money for the reason why I have contacted you. And God bless you.

    Yours Sincerely,
    Mrs. Julia Kaffa

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2009

    Thanks for the heads-up, Roya.  As far as reporting that sort of thing, go to the Forum Index and scroll down to Moderator Messages at very bottom.  Click on the top topic and it will be a post from the moderators.  Once there, you can PM them just the same as anyone.  I did it once to report an avatar from a scammer that was extremely distasteful, and I got a reply.

    Bette ~ Hoping and praying for good news for you today.  You are such an inspiration to us.  I thought a lot about the last Bible verse you quoted as I was walking this morning.  How rarely we really stop to rejoice in an "ordinary" day.  Even post-bc-dx, I find myself more aware of and grateful for each day and life's simple pleasures, but maybe rejoicing is a whole step above that?  I don't know.

    Chelli ~  So glad to see you back!  I've often thought about you, and wondered how you're doing. 

    Jeannine ~  Praying for you to get into UCLA quickly.  I know you'll keep us posted.

    Happy Monday to everyone, and as we say on the "Motivation" thread, make it a great week  ~    Deanna 

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

    My news is that I have stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Making appointments with oncs to develop a game plan. I will fight for length and quality of life.

    I spent time crying in Tom's arms, and am a little numb emotionally.

    I choose to praise God in this and to trust Him as He reveals His will for my life.

    Bette 

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2009

    Oh, Bette, I am so sorry.  I can't imagine what a shock that must have been to hear.  Thank God you have Tom, who I know will continue to give you the courage and support to fight this.  God bless you as you work through this most feared news.  And when you feel up to it, would you PM me your current address?  I'm not sure I have it, and I want to be sure we can all send you encouragement off the boards.     Deanna

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  • alibug05
    alibug05 Member Posts: 182
    edited July 2009

    Bette - I am so sorry for the news you have received.  I will continue to pray for you.... I am so glad you have Tom. We all are here for you - whatever you need.  Loves to all..................

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited July 2009

    Bette,  you are so right in continuing to praise God through all of this. Continue to pray and know that you have an army of BC sisters praying with you.  We surround you with love, positive thoughts, and prayers. 

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  • mommy3abm
    mommy3abm Member Posts: 221
    edited July 2009

    Bette, I am so sorry to hear your latest news. I am so thankful that you have Tom. Isn't is amazing how He gives us just what we need to get through hard times? I will pray for guidance for you, Tom and your doctors as you face this difficult time.

    God Bless,

    Stacy



    Jeannine, Still praying...



    As for me, I had to reschedule my mammo as my entire family had the flu last Thursday. I now have to wonder for 2 more weeks.

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  • Corinne6
    Corinne6 Member Posts: 311
    edited July 2009

    Bette: Our hearts ache with you on this news.  I continue to steadfastly pray for you. I too and VERY happy you have Tom by your side.  We are fighting with you!! 

    The dr said she thought it would be good if I were on Zometa but we did not think so.  I have a long history of dental work things.

    Had my endometrial biopsy today. Find out in about a week.

    Jeannine: UGH!!! I hate to wait!!! We also are praying here in CT

    Hugs to you all

    Corinne

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2009

    Hi, all ~ I have Bette's contact info' and plan to forward it to everyone who is currently active on the board here.  If you haven't received it by tomorrow evening, just PM me so I can be sure to include you.   Deanna

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited July 2009

    Bette, just so sorry to hear of your news.  I kept hoping inside that this was going to turn out to be nothing.  However, you seem very rooted in your faith, and I am sure that will make you a strong fighter.  Plus, having Tom with you will make you a force to be reckoned with!!  We are all here to cheer you on.

    ~Misty

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited July 2009

    Bette, just so sorry to hear of your news.  I kept hoping inside that this was going to turn out to be nothing.  However, you seem very rooted in your faith, and I am sure that will make you a strong fighter.  Plus, having Tom with you will make you a force to be reckoned with!!  We are all here to cheer you on.

    ~Misty

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

    I got home, washed my face, put on makeup and went out with fiends. It was the best thing I could have done. It got my mind of cancer for a few hours, and now I am home ready to be strong.

    Tomorrow I get my teeth checked out, then it is down to Hopkins to check out my options.

    This was not the news any of us want to hear. I am no longer curable, but I am treatable. So lets investigate the treatment scene, and see what is out there.

    Bette 

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  • alibug05
    alibug05 Member Posts: 182
    edited July 2009

    Bette - you are such an inspiration to ALL OF US!!!!! You ARE treatable and I am glad that you have such a great attitude!!!  Keep us updated on your treatment options and what road you decide to take.  I will keep praying and also THANKING Him for giving you Tom!!!! Loves to all..........

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  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 597
    edited July 2009

    Bette, I'm so sorry for your news.  My prayers remain with you always.  You're such an inspiration for us all, and I know you will get through this no matter what.

    Jeaninne, how are you?  Still praying.

    Corinne, that's what I'm going to determine at the periodontist, as I also have a little perio problems and am worried about those SEs.  I hope I'm not too late, as I already had one dose.

    Deen

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  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited July 2009

    Bette,  You are such an inspiration to me!  I believe attitude has as much to do with survivng as the treatment and your attitude is magnificent!  My love & prayers go out to you & Tom. 

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  • mamakaren
    mamakaren Member Posts: 225
    edited July 2009

    Bette~ You are a strong woman and you can win this fight. You have your FAITH and lots of LOVE from everyone. I pray for you and think of you always. Many positive vibes and just know we are all fighting for you.

    Jeannine~ Many Many prayers and positives going your way.

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

    My dental problems turned out to be from teeth grinding. Too much stress, I guess. I now have a mouth guard to wear at night.

    I need a list of questions to ask the oncologist tomorrow. That is my project for this afternoon.

    I withdrew from the fall semester at school. Jut did not seem wise to invest the money when I may not be able to finish.

    Jeannine, Still praying.

    Bette 

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  • Corinne6
    Corinne6 Member Posts: 311
    edited July 2009

    Bette:  Lots of love and hugs to you today. Glad to hear your dental problems are from teeth grinding.  l have invested alot of time in prayer for you!!  I pray for wisdom from your dr's

    Has anyone gone to the site www.medicalnewstoday.com and checked the daily new news of discoveries on breast cancer. I check it every day and for you triple negative gals there is a trial worth looking at that is starting phase 3. I find it very interesting to see the new things on the way.  Every day they update it with whatever is discovered.

    Today is HOT and HUMID - No rain today!!! That is about the 4th day without rain in our whole summer!!!  Going on vacation on Sat. to VT. Yipppeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

    I have the best BC sisters possible! Posts, PMs, phone calls. You are all lifting me up when I am down.

    Thank you! I promise not to go MIA! Will be away from the computer most of the day tomorrow, though.

    All praise and thanks to God

    Bette 

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  • Corinne6
    Corinne6 Member Posts: 311
    edited July 2009

    Good morning all my BC sisters,

    What a beautiful morning it is here in the state of CT!!!  It is sunny and cloudless. Yes, we are expecting thunderstorms to roll in today.  However, I will take what I can get!!

    Going to the dentist for a cleaning this morning.  Tomorrow I have a appointment with a surgeon to discuss if I could be a candidate for the DIEP surgery. Have to travel 2 and 1/2 hours to get there. We'll see if I really am too small for this proceedure.

    Friday it is on to my Herceptin. Karen did you find anything out about yours???

    If I have time later I am going to download my new avtar. CURLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GREATFUL however, to have hair.  Can't wait for LONG curly hair.

    Well everyone enjoy your day. Bette and Jeannine we are all thinking and praying for you every day. Love you all,

    Corinne

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

    Corinne, I be thinking of you when you see the PS tomorrow! New boobs!

    Please pray for me as I travel to Baltimore to see the onc at Hopkins today. We hope to have a treatment plan soon.

    Bette 

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2009

    Corinne ~  Good luck with your app't. tomorrow.  If you don't already know, be sure to ask your PS exactly how many Diep's he's done, and also what his success rate is.  Obviously, you want both numbers to be extremely high.  And I'm really looking forward to seeing your curls.  I'm beginning to go wigless/hatless more now, but still don't feel like I have enough hair to style or get a professional coloring job, so continue to feel a bit "rough" around the edges!  

    Cute new avatar, Bette.  And, of course, I will be thinking about you today, and praying for absolute on-target wisdom for your medical team. 

    Jeannine ~  Any word yet on an app't. at UCLA?   

    We're sweltering here this week.  117 yesterday afternoon when I was out doing some errands.  This summer has been one of the hottest streaks of 110+ days I can remember.   Deanna 

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

    The onc at Hopkins gave us a lot of hope, and told me to go home and live my life and not stress out about this too much.

    Treatment is not set right now. Possibilities include a trial with PARP inhibitors, Xeloda or Carboplatin. Anyone know anything about these?

    Also, my cancer profile has changed. My estrogen receptor is so weak, that he said I am practically triple negative and would not benefit from hormonal therapy.

    I have to have a bone scan to check out some pesky achy ribs on my cancer side.

    That is all for tonight.

    Bette 

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  • g94u67
    g94u67 Member Posts: 436
    edited July 2009

    Hello all,

    Bette: I am so sorry to hear your news. I've been praying so hard (for all of us). Your faith is strong and will sustain you in these trying times.  Many Stage 4 women live long lives. I've also heard some good news about the PARP inhibitors (which is new) for IBC & TN girls. (I'm going to inquire about that) Amen you have Tom.  I'm going to phone you as soon as I have a chance.  Rest up & let's take 1 day at a time.

    Onc. phoned but I missed her call with the results. She didn't sound too good but I'm still hopeful and keeping the faith.  One of my BFF, told me that "God has no room for doubt". I'm just praying the bc is localized. I can face chemo again, losing my hair again & nausea (I never did puke from AC/T!) I went to church and saw an array of pink flowers which is my signal that the Lord has this in his pocket.

    I was also frustrated because it's been 2 days since I've requested an appt. w/the UCLA onc. and still nothing. I phoned my ins. to request a new referral but they promised me I'd receive a call tomorrow. Ugh..

    MamaK: I can't imagine the pain you and your mom are dealing with. I'm sure she is comforted by your love and support. Keep the Faith!

    Thx Corrine for that clinical trial lead.  I'll look into that.

    Corrine, Deen, Stacy, Misty, Roya & Deanna: Thank you sisters for your love and support. I'm trying to stay strong. Funny. Many people say I am strong. It's all of the Lord's blessings.  (I do let it out...cry, scream, pray then calm down and laugh). I am SO grateful and appreciative for all of you. I will post tomorrow on the news. Something's GOT to be GOOD. Oh DH said he's buying me Rattlesnake meat.  I finally found a vendor.  (Bette: You may want to consider this!)

    Prayers & (((((Hugs)))))

    Jeannine

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  • mamakaren
    mamakaren Member Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    jeannine-Corrine- I had a doc appt today and he said that everything was good. He said my EF was a 60 and was normal so i got my herceptin today. I finally got some pills Paxil. My insurance doesn't cover them and they cost a pretty penny for me right now. I'm hoping that they help that pressure that i feel in my chest. Also I'm getting some test to see if something about heart failure. That really freaked me out but he said he is just being cautious. Said nothing to worry about. My mom is okay but now shes hassling with her job. They gave her more chemo after she was done so now her job is saying that they need to put someone to cover her position and that maybe her job position will not be available for her when she goes back but that she will always have a job. That is of course in another position below what she had before and who knows what other location. I just tell her to do her best and if she can't work anymore it's okay. She will never be homeless or go hungry as long as i'm alive. She is very depressed but she will be fine she is a strong woman.
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  • Corinne6
    Corinne6 Member Posts: 311
    edited July 2009

    Hi all, back from my appointment with my PS. There is both good and not so good news. The good news is that there is enough stomach skin to make a breast. The bad news is that they will remain small because I have no fat. Well. small and saggy is what the future may hold. I found out that implants are not permenant!!!!!!!!!!! Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Karen, PLEASE let your mom know that we are here and she is more than welcome to join us. I am thrilled you are back on Herceptin. How much more do you have to go? When did you start? i started on Aug 25th last year. I had to skip 2 of them due to the EF mine is good so far. I have treatment tomorrow.

    Jeannine: We know exactly how you feel. We all have been there from time to time. Waiting with you for the news.

    Bette: Continued in prayer for you today. Love and hugs Always!!

    My PS has done between 200- 300. Heard good things about him.

    Going for my 2.2 mile walk. I'll check in later.

    Corinne

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

    Corinne, Good about your appointment with the PS! I admire your walking. I have to get started again.

    Jeannine, waiting for phone calls about appointments can be stressful. I will be praying for you. 

    This is the first day of the rest of my life. I intend to celebrate each day, and fight with all I've got.

    Bette 

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  • g94u67
    g94u67 Member Posts: 436
    edited July 2009

    What an awful day. My surgeon phoned and gave me my PET results. Not good as expected. There were 3 areas that lit up (Most likely my 3 bumps- external tumors) and 1 node behind the breast wall. What is good is that it's still localized. Bad- it's a mother of a cancer. Systemic. Now for the good part... Dr. @ UCLA that was referred to me is out on medical leave! Hello..now I AM the person who needs to contact UCLA not my med group. The girls at my Dr's offices have been great as far as referrals, approvals etc., but I can not wait another 2 weeks. Surgeon wants me to have rt. breast removed but wants feedback from Onc. first. Speaking w/my DH & DD, I just may begin TX w/my current Dr. and switch over once all the darn approvals get through!  You're not kidding Bette, These appts. and insurance communications are so stressful! I was at a loss today. So greatful my Mgr. is understanding. Thank God I still have ins. and a job.

    MamaK: Your mom is so blessed to have a wonderful daughter like you. At least her job will keep her. What's important is her health. I've had you in my prayers.

    Well that's my day.  Tomorrow is a new one. Like you Bette I intend to enjoy each and every moment w/my kids, DH & Family. I also intend to fight like Farrah. I don't know what's God's plan is but he's calling the shots and I'm letting him carry my cross.

    Love to all,

    Jeannine

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