Anyone starting Chemo in August 07?

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited December 2009

    Oh Lilith, I totally spaced out writing about your mom even though I meant to earlier! I'm so glad that she is in remission! What a great Christmas gift!

    June, I'd be glad to email you the articles. I don't have your email address though. Maybe you can PM me with it and I'll get them sent to you.

    DeAnn 

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited December 2009

    Thanks again for the articles, DeAnn. Lots of good info in there!

    June, I sent you a PM with a public link to my Facebook pictures. Hopefully it will work!

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited December 2009

    DeAnn,

    Thanks for the info.  I'm hoping that I'll get a chance to just sit and read the info. sometime, maybe after the Holidays.  So... are you taking DIM and that other supplement (I forget what it is) INSTEAD of a hormonal treatment?  Does DIM BLOCK ESTROGEN??  That is interesting...  maybe I'll go read that info NOW...  

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited December 2009

    June

    Thanks!  I've missed you all, too.  Sometimes I have needed to take a break from all things cancer....  

    Hope you are doing well.  I'll try to stay more connected, because I really do care about all of you women.  We share a special bond, since we went through bc tx, all at the same time.

    I'm volunteering for Reach to Recovery, but there haven't been very many referrals, so I have decided to go around to the drs. offices, to try to promote the program.  I meet with the nurse, and explain just what RTR is about, and give them some brochures, and referral forms.  I just really feel that I NEED to help other women with bc, and it helps me to help them.

    Hope everyone has Happy Holidays, and I'm hoping that 2010 will be filled with joy and happiness, and that we'll be blessed with good health!!

    Harley 

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited December 2009

    Harley - Here's my understanding of how DIM and Calcium D-Glucarate works:

    DIM (diindolylmethane) is the active chemical in broccoli that makes it such a powerful cancer fighter. Taking a capsule of DIM would be similar to eating about 3 lbs of broccoli. DIM shifts the balance in the body of estrogen metabolites from the bad estrogen (like the kinds that make cancer grow) to the good kinds of estrogen. Calcium D-Glucarate then helps your body to excrete and get rid of the bad estrogens through your liver detoxification pathways.  So yes, I'm doing this instead of hormone therapy as it should, theoretically, balance my hormone levels in a natural way. Also, I've tried really hard to eliminate sources of xeno-estrogens (chemicals that act like estrogens in the body) in my environment such as in my shampoos or lotions. No parabens, fragrances, etc.  I only use coconut oil for moisturizer. I use crystal stick deoderant, that sort of thing. And I never microwave in plastic and try to eat only organic as pesticides are a big source of xeno-estrogens.  

    I'll let you all know if I get any other recommendations on Monday!

    DeAnn 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited December 2009

    DeAnn,

    Wow!  That sounds very interesting!  I forget if I mentioned, I apologize if I did, but I will be switching from Tamoxifen to Femara on Jan 1st.  I am kinda nervous about taking an AI.  If I am able to take a hormonal treatment for the full 5 years, I will be interested in trying the DIM and Calcium D-Glucarate.  I had been concerned about what happens when I stop taking a hormonal treatment. 

    I agree... all those chemicals, and the phyto-estrogens....  they scare me!!   The coconut oil... where do you get it??  Do you make it yourself?  :D    Do you buy the organic products?  I had read about using Vitamin E oil as a moisturizer, or even sunflower oil.  I have tried it, but it's kind of ... well, oily!  :D  I'm looking for an alternative.  Let me know which product you use and where do you get it??  

    I seem to have LOTS of questions!!! 

    Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy Healthy New Year!

    Harley 

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited December 2009

    Hi Harley, 

    I buy organic coconut oil from Whole Foods or my natural foods co-op (either Spectrum brand or Nutiva). It actually doesn't feel very oily because it is a saturated fat, so it solidifies at cooler temps. It's super healthy to cook with too (it got a bad rap a few years ago, but it was all bogus. Coconut oil is actually very healthy for you to eat). It absorbs pretty fast into the skin so it doesn't feel oily on my hands or face in my experience.  

    DeAnn 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited December 2009

    DeAnn

    Thanks!  I went grocery shopping today, and walked through the organic isle.  I saw Spectrum brand moisturizers, but no coconut oil moisturizer.  :( 

    Maybe coconut oil got a bad rap because it's saturated, and I thought that all saturated fats were to be limited, in our diet.   I duuno.

    I don't have a Whole Foods store in my area...  :(

    Harley

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited December 2009

    Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

    Thought you gals would appreciate this--I received an invitation to a Christmas tea today. Smile Doesn't that sound civilized? I thought it will be good practice for when we all join June for tea at the next tea house she opens (right, June? Sealed)

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited December 2009

    Nash,

    That sounds fun!!  Please tell us all about it!!

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited December 2009

    Oh, that does sound fun! Give us a full report, please!

    Harley, the coconut oil won't be found by the moisturizers. I'm talking about the straight up coconut oil you use for cooking. You should be able to find it wherever the olive oil and other cooking oils are. If they have the Spectrum moisturizers in the body care aisle, I would think they would for sure have the spectrum brand in the cooking oils. Good luck!

    DeAnn  

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited December 2009

    DeAnn,

    Today, I went looking in the Organic isle again.  This time I didn't see ANY Spectrum brand in my local grocery store.  I guess they took them all away.

    Nope, I didn't see ANY coconut oil in the cooking oil isle, either.  I also looked for sunflower oil there and they don't have it, either.  I got Safflower oil, since it seemed close to what I was looking for. 

    Do you say it is just straight coconut oil?  not a moisturizer with coco  nut oil in it??  I am getting confused.  It doesn't take much.  :D

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited December 2009

    DeAnn,

    I found the Spectrum coconut oil, it was in the organic section, but with the cooking oil, as you said...  I got some, and I'm going to give it a try!!   Thanks for the great idea.

    Happy Holidays!!  Merry Christmas and wishing everyone a very happy and healthful...New Year!

    (is healthful a word?? :D)

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited December 2009

    Thanks, Harley, you too!

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  • lilith
    lilith Member Posts: 543
    edited December 2009

    Merry Christmas!!!

    Will report later on - when nothing is burning on the stove (litterally...), but I wanted to send a round hug to all of you, I am thinking of my gal pals today. May the year to come be un-eventful, healthy, happy and full of memory-building fun. 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited December 2009

    thanks, Nash and Lilith!!

    Merry Christmas to you all....  DeAnn, Nash, Lilith, Kaye,....  sorry if I left anyone off... my chemo brain continues to keep me in a fog...

    Love you all!  You helped me through some of the darkest days...  So glad to have met you!! 

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited December 2009

    Glad you found the oil Harley!  Hope it works out for you! You can use the oil for cooking too. I just made some chocolate truffles with cocoa, dates, coconut and coconut oil.  YUM! 

    Merry Christmas to you all and hugs all around!

    DeAnn

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited December 2009

    Merry Christmas to all my precious Sisters!

    May this holiday be special with loved ones, friends and time alone!

    Love you all!

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited December 2009

    Merry Christmas--love to all. xoxoxo

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  • pguthrie
    pguthrie Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2009
    Thanks Nash. I hope you have a Merry Christmas. How are you doing? How are you handling the meds and how about emotionally? I need to hear how others are handling things this far out of diagnosis. Can you help? I think major life stress factors may be a part of my problems too. Hope to hear back from you.Laughing
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  • pguthrie
    pguthrie Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2009

    Hi Lilith. I just wanted you to know my niece lives in Switzerland. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New year!

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited December 2009

    Hi Ladies - SOMEone who shall remain nameless but who is sleeping peacefully right now put some Kahlua in my hot chocolate tonight....so HERE I AM. ::blink, blink:: Wide awake.

    With my buddies. Laughing

    Ok. We'll start with Penny.

    Hi Penny! In answer to your question: "I need to hear how others are handling things this far out of diagnosis." For me, Things are either "GREAT", or "THEY SUCK" depending on what day/time the question is asked. Sometimes  in the middle of the night, the Arimidex makes my hands ache so much I can't grab the down comforter to pull it back over my shoulders. That would be the 'THIS SUCKS' part of the day.  I take lots and lots of MicroLactin and I really believe it helps with the achy stuff. It was much worse before, or when I slack off. (yes. I'm a slacker.) Once I get up and start functioning I feel SO much better. If I happen to get some actual excercise, like running (or walking vigorously to the refrigerator Laughing), it helps exponentially. And then that would be the "Hey -I'm doing GREAT" part.  I also take 4,000 iu of vit D3 every day to combat the depression (plus other things), and I swear by THAT, too. Because 1) I suspect a SE of Arimedex is depression, 2) I suspect a SE of LIFE is depression (I'm convinced a SE of GROWN CHILDREN and THEIR DECISIONS is depression and 3) It's something that I can do that doesn't put more chemicals in my body.

    I hate the Arimidex...but I hate cancer more. So...Arimidex wins. I'm glad I can take it. And I'll be gladder still when I don't have to anymore. And I just try to weather the storm when it comes. (I also argue with God a lot. Some may call it "praying", but um, I'm pretty sure He calls it "arguing.") Whatever. 

    What are you experiencing?

    DeAnn - thanks for the literature. That's my Christmas Vacation Reading. It looks like it's good stuff.

    Nash - How was the Tea? Have you gone yet? Did you wear gloves? Did anyone else?

    Harley - Tell us how the Coconut Oil works out.

    Jackie - Big Hugs to you...Hows the job going? Did you go to see the Tree downtown this year?

    June -  Big Hugs to you, too. I'm so jealous of you gals in the cold weather, and snow. How Christmassy. (I got to wear a sweatshirt this evening...whoop de do.)

    Ok. Caffeine is wearing off. ("Thank God" they all scream...)

    love you guys. Merry Christmas!!

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  • lilith
    lilith Member Posts: 543
    edited December 2009

    Hi Penny. 

    I am truly so sorry that it is hitting you so badly still - year after.

    From my side - well most days, I don't even remember I ever had cancer. I just hope it stays like that!!!

    yes. I had chemo, a double mastectomy and an ovariectomy. yet - past some relatively mild hot flushes - that all family around me has learnt to let me deal with!!! - I am doing good. hair has grown back just as before (finally got rid of all chemo curls - which actually gave me '40ies hairdoes... quite fetching!). I work just as before, just changed companies.

    I am on Arimidx after one year of tamox. I have some arthritic pain... most of my shoes dont fit anymore, I got rid of lots of ... gucci, d&g, manolos, and more. heck. I wish I could find a make that doesn nice good looking heels - and feels good to wear. ;) but as long as that is my cross to bear, I shall not even complain about it.  

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited December 2009

    Happy Christmas Day, girls. I am taking a breather while waiting for DH to pop the champagne. Sealed

    Kaye, the tea is on Tuesday (Tuesday Tea, I love alliteration!) Will give y'all the low down soon.

    Penny, I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. Most of the time I think I feel OK, although I am in a perpetual state of PMS from the Tamoxifen. I find myself weepier than I am by nature. Part of my experience which makes things hard to sort out is that while I was on treatment, I was caring from my Stage IV bc mom, who died while I was still in radiation. She was on chemo for 5 1/2 years, and I was so consumed by her situation that I didn't pay much attention to my own. So, when I feel emotionally crappy now, I think more of it is PTSD from dealing with her death, and it's hard for me to say how I'd feel w/o that facet of things.

    Physically I feel OK. I felt pretty sick going into diagnosis (to the point of knowing that I had cancer before even finding the lump), and now I do feel better. I exercise a lot, and I think that helps. I also have school age kids who keep me very busy and distracted. I think if I had more time on my hands, I might notice more physical issues. I still have pain and numbness from surgery, but it's manageable. 

    Penny, we're here to support you--big hugs to you.

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited December 2009

    Penny,

    I sent you another pm... I got yours...   As I said, I am not back to the old, carefree, before bc dx, but I don't think I will ever be...  I've been changed forever.  Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like such a downer in my pm... 

    But, I DO think that some parts of the new ME are good...  I do still have alot of fatigue, but...
    I also have a thyroid disorder, and I can't seem to get the dose right on my thryoid hormone... it keeps going up and down...  but that was also a problem before my bc dx.... 

    It really helps that I can keep in touch with my 'breast' friends here...    It helps me to know that we all have been through this together, and whenever I start to get a little crazy, I just pop in here, and post...  sure enough, someone comes along to talk me down off the ledge...

    So...  I think that in time, things will improve...

    Love all of you!!

    HUGS
    HARLEY

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited December 2009
    Just reporting in on tea, which was today. It was so much fun! Full on spread with scones, tea sandwiches, etc. Very girly and very fun. I didn't know anyone there except for the hostess, but all the guests were very gracious, and the type of people you'd expect to be having tea with. After much wardrobe debate, I settled on nice pants and a sparkly jacket, and that ended up being the correct thing to wear. Phew! Anyhow, I'm all ready to go for June's next tea shindig now. Laughing
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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited December 2009

    Also have to report that my dog has made friends with another dog (and its two furry siblings), and their person is a very nice lady, who as it turns out has been living a parallel life to mine. Not only is she an accountant, but she also was diagnosed with bc (in 2006), goes to my rad onc, and lurks here on our very boards. Plus she lives across the street from my DD's best friend. Go figure! So now both the dog and I have a new friend. Love that.

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited December 2009

    Nash HOW FUN! And....um..."civilized"!

    And how interesting about the new friend. How funny - and...great. New friends are good! I also met a new friend. Someone local I had met on this board last summer  (while trying to replicate the SD Lunch Bunch gals without a 2.5 hour drive - to no avail. YET.) had referred her to me when this second gal had been dx'd and posted a panic-y cry for help last month. The first gal answered her and referred her to me because we'd had similar experiences. She just had surgery yesterday and I'm waiting for her report. It's good that this bc journey didn't happen in a vaccuum....that we can be there for other people just starting out.

    Also. Interesting note: In the City of Hope magazine they publish (quarterly?) they said Los Angeles is "ground zero for cervical cancer." More cases are diagnosed there than any other county in the nation.  Now why would that be? (I'm glad they're "on it"...because that's just too wierd.)

    Happy New Year sistahs!

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited December 2009

    Nash,

    Glad that your tea was a success!  And glad that you made a new friend!!  oh, and glad also that your dog has made a new friend, too!!  :D

    Kaye, glad to hear that you also made a new friend!!  

    I made a new friend, too, from bc.org...  but she is a very busy Mom, and she works crazy hours at CVS, so I have only seen her once, so far.  I will try to keep in touch, and maybe we can get together again soon.

    Happy New Year!!  Wishing us all a very HAPPY and HEALTHY 2010!!! 

    Harley

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited December 2009

    Nash - sounds like a great tea party, and that's awesome that you and the dog both got new pals! Weird how similar your stories are! 

    Penny - I'm very sorry to hear that you are having a difficult time with things. Most of the time I feel great, but it's been a process. Mostly what has helped me has been my morning green smoothie. Honestly, if I don't get one for a few days, I can tell a difference! I'm not as energetic, and my mood is not as good. If you want some recipe ideas, both Kaye and I can offer up some good ideas! 

    As for meds, well, I'm actually going off the meds as you might have seen in some of my previous posts. I've got another appointment with the holistic doctor in late January and he's going to run some various tests to check my hormone levels and get me taking some different supplements to balance my hormones in a natural manner.  

    Oh, and to everyone, I'm actually considering trying to go gluten-free for awhile.  The mother of one of my friends has breast cancer that has spread into her abdomen. It's a very slow-growing type of cancer, and she is stable, but had been having terrible stomach pain for the past year. She was convinced it was her cancer growing, but all her scans showed that it wasn't. Her doctor finally suggested she eliminate gluten, and within a week her pain was GONE! He told her that sometimes, chemotherapy can make a person more intolerant to gluten. I had never heard that one before!  My holistic doc was hinting at it, so I have a feeling that is going to be one of his recommendations when I meet with him, but good golly is that ever hard to do! I'll see what he says, but interesting to hear that connection.  I know some parts of me are forever changed by chemo, so I guess it isn't too far outside the realm of possibility for a digestive intolerance like that to appear. 

    But for now, I AM going to drink a beer on New Year's Eve (it's a fancy champagne style beer called DEUS imported by hubby), and toast you all and join Harley in wishing us all a happy and HEALTHY 2010!

    Hugs!

    DeAnn 

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