Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?

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

    Good morning, everyone.  I hope you're all enjoying the weekend, or at least thankful it's here so that you can kick back and rest or ride out the SEs. 

    Jeannine ~ Do you know how many txs you'll need this time?  And that's great news that you may not lose your hair!  Did you ever look into those Penguin cold caps?  I would think they might tip the balance in your favor, especially if there's already a chance of keeping your hair with the chemo you're doing this time.

    Corinne ~  Thanks for that article on exercise.  I just copied the link to the Motivation thread, which you're welcome to join if you want to hang out with a bunch of like-minded ladies.

    Thinking of you all this weekend, and as Deen & Gail already said, so glad to have you in my life!  I may not post quite as often, but I read every day and pray for health, peace and healing for each and everyone of you.

    (((Hugs)))   Deanna

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

    Good evening to my BCO sisters. Hope this has been a good weekend for all.

    Jeannine, how are you doing with the SE's? I have been resting most of the weekend with aches and low grade fever. More chemo on Thursday. My hair is still here!

    This Friday/Saturday we are attending a retreat for couples living with metastatic BC. It is sponsored by the breast center at Hopkins. I am really looking forward to it, praying that I feel well enough to participate in everything.

    Hugs to all! Have a great week. 

    Bette 

  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited September 2009

    I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend and got to relax for a little while.  You girls are always in my prayer especially Bette and Jeannine who are both on chemo again.  I'm so sorry you have to do it and wish I could share the burden of the side effects with you.  Just remember the Lord is there to carry you through. 

    Corrine - I'm so happy that it was scar tissue!

    Deen - How have you been doing?

    Stacy - You getting packed for the move yet?

    Deanna - Thanks for telling us about the motivational thread!  I need some to get my big rear in gear!

    BTW-11 more days till my DD's wedding!

  • Corinne6
    Corinne6 Member Posts: 311
    edited September 2009

    Hi all, Hey has anyone heard from Karen or does anyone know how to reach her? We have not heard from her since August 1st.

    Roya, are you back in the states?

    Jeannine: Hope your SE's are doing better. 

    Bette:  I hope you blood work came out well today

    My next Herceptin in on Thursday......then only one left!!! Yahoo!!! I go for my Ct angiogram on the 22nd. Just so you know you are ALL in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all, Corinne

  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited September 2009

    Hope everyone had a nice weekend.  Of course, they always go way too fast.

    Hood, can't wait for you to post some pics of the wedding after next weekend.  I'll keep fingers crossed for good weather.

    Corinne, wow-your Herceptin time went fast, too.  It will seem very funny to you when you don't have to go back after three weeks.

    Hi to all!!

    ~Misty

  • alibug05
    alibug05 Member Posts: 182
    edited September 2009

    I hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend!!!! I agree with Misty - they never seem long enough!!! Corrine glad you are almost done!!!!1 left after tomorrow!!!!!  Just wanted to check in and say hi!!!  Loves to all.................................

  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 597
    edited September 2009

    Hey everyone!

    Bette and Jeaninne, I hope your txs are going smoothly.  My prayers are continue for you both.  Your retreat sounds wonderful, Bette!

    Hood, how exciting!  I remember my son's wedding plans, it was great, and so was the wedding!

    Corinne, my prayers are with you on your angiogram.  After today you'll have only one Her to go, yay!

      I went yesterday for some breast revisions.  I had lipo in my tummy and they injected the fat right above my breasts where I had a little scooped out look.  The lipo looks really good, but I can't tell too much above my breasts.  We'll see.:)

    Hope everyone is doing well!

    Deen

  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited September 2009

    Wow, Deen.  It sounds like you are getting some bonuses in all of this!!  Good for you!!  I am sure the "girls" will look even better now.  How are you feeling today?

    Bette, enjoy your retreat this weekend.  I remember reading something about this in the Baltimore paper last year during the month of October.  They were highlighting some women with stage 4 BC.  I am sure you will make some great contacts with women who are in your shoes.

    Hope everyone is having a good week.  I am looking forward to the weekend.

    Love to all~Misty

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

    Bette ~  Have a wonderful retreat! 

    Jeannie ~  Hoping your SEs didn't come on too bad.  You are in my prayers, and I'll be watching for your next post.

    Deen ~  I was interested in the lipo to fill in those scooped out areas, as you called them.  I think I'll ask my PS about that when I see him.  I've got sort of a dent that's bugging me  Glad to hear you have one more thing (was that the last?) behind you!

    Corinne ~ I've PM'd Karen, but had no response.  I'll hunt through my old PMs and see if I have a phone number for her and let you know. 

    Joyce ~  Can't wait to see wedding photos!  So exciting!  I'll be thinking about you. What a 180 from last August, huh?!

    (((Hugs))) to Misty, Alibug, Roya and everyone else!     Deanna

  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited September 2009

    Hello Everyone!  I hope everyone has a Blessed weekend!  I'm going to our local ballpark (Southern Maryland Blue Crabs) for Paint the Park Pink night this Saturday.  All the BC Survivors go down on the field for the start of the game.  The players wear pink shirts, hats, & use pink bats.  They auction them off during the game with the funds going to the Komen Foundation. 

  • alibug05
    alibug05 Member Posts: 182
    edited September 2009

    Hood that sounds like a lot of fun.  My daughter's high school volleyball team is doing the Volley for the Cure and we all bought our t-shirts last night at her game.  Her and I are also volunteering for a Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk in October in Columbus.  We are going to help sell merchandise and we are both pretty excited!!!! Loves to Misty - Corrine - Deanna - Deen - Bette and all my other Breast Cancer Sisters!!!!!!!!!!! Love you all and have a GREAT weekend!!!!

  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 597
    edited September 2009

    Hood and Alibug, that sounds like a lot of fun!  I'm hoping we'll have something around here soon.  I know a lot happens in Oct for BC.

    Misty, thanks I'm not feeling as bad as I thought I would.  I took my first pain pill last night just for the soreness to get to sleep.  It's really not too bad.  I could see my tummy flat already on the first day, but now it's swollen.

    Deanna, it looks like it filled in the areas that were scooped out, giving me more of a slope now.  I think it filled in my ripples, too.  It's hard to tell if it's filled or swollen right now, but it does look better.

    Bette and Jeaninne, I hope you are feeling well!

    Corinne, hope you are doing well!

    Have a great day,

    Deen

  • g94u67
    g94u67 Member Posts: 436
    edited September 2009

    Hi everybody,

    I'm feeling so much better. Amen!  I'm glad I changed my chemo date to Wed. so I can rest on the weekends. Still haven't puke :)  I'm also getting used to the Xoleda w/minimal SE's. Still have my hair too!

    Bette: I hope you're feeling well.  Glad to hear you still have your hair too! Your retreat sounds like a great one. Please keep us posted on the info. Have a good time.

    Deanna: I need 4 cycles (only 3 to go) of Ixempra and I think 4 of Xoleda.  Xoleda is an oral chemo that Dr. wants me 2 wks. on then 2 wks. off to see how I handle. So far no darks hands or feet. At first I had this awful tingling and painful joints when I would take them. Now, nada. Oh I did send an e-mail request to the Penguin cap co. but never rec'd a reply. What I read though, you have to time the cap use precisely during chemo. You also can't wash your hair but once a week after chemo. Tricky but worth it. I guess too late now. How is your son doing?

    Hood: I bet your excited about DD's wedding! How awesome. That Pink Park night sounds like a terrific event. Thanks for representing all of us.

    Corrine: Congratulations on your final Herceptin coming! I've been thinking of Karen & Roya too.

    Deen: I'm jealous of your new revisions! Happy to hear you like the new you. You'll have to give me the scoop on that when I do mine next year.

    Well I'm playing Bunko tonight. Did I tell you I won $20 last time and almost came in 1st place? That's $40.00. It's such great girl time. Oh ladies check out a lead story on www.MSN.COM.  Article talks about the power of prayer and healing.  A blogger wrote about his Dad w/Stage IV throat cancer and is completley cancer free now due to his faith & prayers.  Are we not surprised?!!

    Have a lovely weekend all,

    ((((Hugs)))))

    Jeannine

  • Corinne6
    Corinne6 Member Posts: 311
    edited September 2009

    Don't have alot of time. Leaving on vacation to Smuggler's Notch in 5 minutes. I have been EXTREMELY busy and will write more later. However, I went to the Hartford Tea Party today and I loved it.  Our tea party MAY be on Sean Hannity tonight. Can't wait to fill you in!! I am doing fine and will catch up on todays posts tomorrow.

  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited September 2009
  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited September 2009

    Deen, Have you posted any pictures on the pix website?

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

    Retreat was empowering and encouraging. So great to have the husbands there as well. They really added to the discussions.

    Yesterday I ended up in the ER with a fever again, but was not admitted. Something is also making my blood sugar go up, so I have to check it with a meter twice a day :-(

    I have elevated liver enzymes, and may not get my chemo this week. Tom is being wonderful through all this. I feel down; he is encouraging me.

    Bette 

  • mommy3abm
    mommy3abm Member Posts: 221
    edited September 2009

    HI girls!!  Well, the madness has started...we move in less than 2 weeks!  I am a little worried though and maybe some of you can help.  I have been on hubby's insurance this whole time and with him switching companies it will be a new company/plan.  We will also have a 1 month gap in coverage...will my bc be considered pre-existing and follow ups not be covered?  I am a little freaked out about it?

  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 597
    edited September 2009

    Mommy3, I hope your move is easy and uneventful. Texas will miss you! o):)

      As for your insurance, I would keep the Cobra to make up the gap, just to be on the safe side, and I don't think they can use it as pre-existing when going on a group plan without a gap in coverage. Did that make sense?  Have DH contact the person in charge of human resources.

    Hood, I posted pics, but can't really tell a difference on there.

    Bette, I'm sorry this is being so hard on you.  My prayers continue for you.  I'm glad you had a nice time on your retreat.

    Have a great day!

    Deen

  • DesertRider
    DesertRider Member Posts: 178
    edited September 2009

    Hi Everyone,

    Deen, I'm making insurance changes too, so far smooth. But all charges were handled well by Kaiser and I'm still hoping there are no loopholes in the new coverage.

     Bette, hope you are feeling better. I am so glad you did the workshop - I know the husbands benefit from sharing the discussions.

    In 2 weeks I do followup lab bloodwork on a raised CA 27-29. I know everyone says the elevated marker by itself doesn't mean much but it worries me. Anyone have experience with this?

    Hugs to everyone,

    Gail 

  • g94u67
    g94u67 Member Posts: 436
    edited September 2009

    Hey all,

     Still feeling okay w/minimal SE's. I still have my hair too. I even got to break out my dancing shoes and celebrate a friends 47th b-day. My feet still hurt. Bunko was fun even though I didn't win.

    Corrine: Wishing you a great vacation! Enjoy. Boy that Tea Party must have been quite the event. I did catch some highlights.

    Bette: Sorry to hear about your fever and liver count. I hope & pray you're feeling better. Glad you enjoyed the retreat with Tom. I'm hearing very good things about the PARP trial. I'm going to a new Focus group in October and will keep you posted.

    Stacy: Good luck w/your move.  I'd personally stay on the same plan.

    Gail: I'll ask my Dr. about that count. I haven't experienced that yet. My Dr. says w/TN's our counts are usually o.k.

    After Wednesday, I have a break from chemo until next Wednesday. (Sure hope this works!)Going to the LA County Fair with the family this Saturday. Back to School night manana. Busy busy.

    Have a great week everybody.

    Love Jeannine

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

    Just learned that I will miss chemo this week due to the elevated liver enzymes. I am disappointed, but know it is all in God's plan for me. If this treatment does not work out, I will move on to something that does. I have to get lab work on Monday and fax it to the trial coordinator to see what happens next week.

    Turned out I was feeling so ill because I had pneumonia this past weekend. The radiologist "missed" it on Sunday night, so they sent me home from the ER. The next day it was reread, I was started on antibiotics and today I am feeling much better. It makes me wonder about the ER at our local hospital.

    I am trying to decide whether or not to go out tonight. I would love to be around people after being stuck in the house for three days, but would it be a wise choice?

    Bette 

  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited September 2009

    Hi Everyone,  I go tomorrow for my 3 month onc visit.  My liver enzymes were up too when my internist need my blood work a couple of weeks ago, but she thought it was due to the bisphosphonate that I am in the clinical trial for prevention of bone mets.  Bette - Please be careful if you go out. My son is at the University of Maryland and may have had the swine flu last week.  They have had several hundred cases and tonight I have a sore throat, so it's going around.  I'm glad the antibiotics are making you feel better.

    Jeannine - Have fun at back to school night tomorrow.  My son's is Thrusday!  Then Friday is the Rehersal for DD's wedding!  So busy!

    Corrine - I didn't get to see you on the news but I heard all about it!  :)

    Gail - I don't know anything about the CA 27 - 29 marker.  My onc never went over them with me. If you find out anything, please share with the rest of us.

    Has anyone heard from MamaKaren?

    Stacy - Trying to keep the insurance and all the medical bills in order is a full time job. Good luck with the move!

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

    Last night I did go out to a small group prayer meeting and Bible study. No one seemed to be sick, so that was good. It made me feel more normal just to get out and see my friends.

    Joyce, Best wishes on your daughter's wedding this weekend. Saturday will be our 26 week anniversary, so it was not too long ago that I was busy with no loving mom around to help. She is lucky to have you!.

    Tom is at work, so this is my quiet time of the night to catch up on computer work. Feeling much better today. It makes me wonder if what I've had all along has been pneumonia and not SE's

    Bette 

  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited September 2009

    Hey Everyone,

    Jeannine, so glad you are doing so well after your chemo.  You are such a model of continuing on with your everyday matters.  Good for you.

    Gail, I saw that marker test on my bloodwork.  My doc runs that test occasionally.  My nurse said they use the number in combination with any unusual aches and pains that someone might feel to determine if there might be a problem.  I don't think it is unusual for the number to fluctuate slightly.

    Hood, I am seeing great weather for Saturday-sunny and in the 70s-great day for the lovely bride and mother of the bride!!!!!  Can't wait to see pictures.

    Stacy, moving in two weeks?!  Can't believe it is happening so fast.  Send me a PM when you are up here!!

    Hope everyone is doing well.  I can tell that fall is right around the corner here.  I got to go to the Ravens home opener last Sunday-I am a HUGE fan!!!   I am so busy at school-time is flying.  I am getting ready for a little "revision" surgery on the "girls" next Friday.  I had my pre-op, got my bloodwork, got my prescripts.  Now, I am just ready to get this over with.  I heard my recovery from this recon should be even faster than last time.

    Love to all!!!!

    ~Misty

  • alibug05
    alibug05 Member Posts: 182
    edited September 2009

    Hope everyone is doing good....... Jeannie I too am glad you are doing good with the chemo!!! Again you are SUCH an inspiration even though you probably don't feel like it!!!  Stacy hope all goes well with the move!!!  Hood I hope you and your daughter have a WONDERFUL day!!!!!  All is well here in Ohio!!!!  Loves to all..............

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

    Joyce ~  I hope your daughter's wedding is perfect!  ENJOY!!!  And I hope to see some photos.

    Bette ~ You continue to amaze me with your resilience and determination not to let things like a touch of pneumonia rain on your parade.  Continued prayers that this current round of chemo is doing its job!

    Jeannine ~  So glad to hear that your SEs have been minimal.  Praying that trend will continue, and that you can do everything you have planned, especially the fair.  Are you or your doctor at all concerned about the crowds and your immune system?  Just  wondering.

    Gail ~  What's this about an elevated CA27.29?  I'm hoping you mean just slightly elevated, which I've been told isn't especially meaningful.  Are you back in town yet?  If you are, I'll be around most of the day tomorrow (my car is in for some work), so call me if you get a chance.

    Stacy ~  Good luck with your move!  Sounds like it's all happening very fast now!  How're the kids feeling about the move?

    Deen ~  Hope you're healing well and happy with the outcome of your recent surgery.

    (((Hugs))) to Misty, Alibug, Corinne and anyone I might have inadvertently missed this time ~    Deanna

  • Corinne6
    Corinne6 Member Posts: 311
    edited September 2009

    Hi all, I come back from vacation today.  Boo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful week we had. We have had a jacuzzi and a fireplace in our room all week. We own a timeshare somewhere else and traded in for this. We have 3 bedrooms. It is beautiful

    Now on my bc sisters....Bette: I hope the fever is gone and you are recovering so that they can do your chemo next week.

    Jeannine: So glad that your SE's are minimal. I hope this is the cure all for you. I have been keeping up with everyone and medicalnewstoday's website.

    I am on the pics page with my girls at www.theHartfordteapartypatriots.com  It was pouring rain and both my girls and hubby got colds. If you go there scroll down on the left hand to the pic's. We are the ones carrying the hot green sign, hot pink sign and black sign. So far I continue to be healthy. Having an echo on Mon morning.  I was so glad to have been able to go and be a voice.

    Karen and Roya, Where are you and how have you been???? We continue to lift you up in prayer.

    Deen: How are you feeling since surgery?

    Gail,  I was told that there are elevations and decreases in blood factors and it means nothing unless it is unusually high. Mine went down last time and she told me it meant nothing

    I am feeling wonderfully well. There is a treadmil here and I have been VERY faithful. I am now at 4.0 miles per hour and do 2.3 miles per day. Staying away from sugar and wheat was a little difficult here but I managed well with only one cheat.

    Well, ready to pack...so I'll check in later.

    Love and Hugs

  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 597
    edited September 2009

    Hood, my prayers are going out to you this weekend for joy for all!:)

    Corinne, sounds like you're having a great time!  I think you needed that!  I'll look at your pics after I post.  Good luck on your echo.

    Bette, I'm glad they dx'd you right this time!  Hope you are feeling better.

    Jeaninne, it's great you're feeling so good after chemo!  I will be going to our county fair next weekend.  Good times!:)

    Gail, I remember them doing that test on me during chemo, now every two mos, but I don't know which means whatUndecided.  I'll ask my chemo nurse next appt.  Try not to worry too much, although I know it's hard not to.  Prayers for you now.

    Misty, I hope your surgery goes well and you get the results you are looking for.  Mine wasn't too bad at all.

    alibug, you are the busiest person I've ever seen!:)

    Deanna, I hope you are doing well.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend!

    Deen

  • g94u67
    g94u67 Member Posts: 436
    edited September 2009

    Happy Friday all,

    Well rt. breast has been aching off and on all last night & today.  I've only been off the oral (Xoleda) for 1 day.  Rt. boob still has pink rash. (So ugly :( ) The other seems to be drying. I just pray this TX works guys. Has me worried.  I know. I can't expect miracles over night!  Next TX is for this Wed.

    Bette: I'm sorry to hear you're next chemo is delayed.Glad you're feeling better. Can't believe those bozo's missed your pneumonia!

    Misty: Thank you for that! It's doing the "normal" things that keep me normal! Sounds like you had a blast at Ravens game.  I'm a big Rams fan even though they got their butts whooped last Sunday. Good luck w/your recon. surgery!

    Deanna: I've been washing my hands and sanitizing everything I touch. So far no one is sick in the office.  I'll be careful @ the Fair tomorrow. I promise :)

    Going to see if I can get some Fried Rattlesnake all. Still not giving up on  my rattlers!

    Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

    Jeannine

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