November 2009-Starting Chemo

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    SHE'S BACK....Sharad that is...we missed you....did you get that bong for Christmas?  can't wait to read that story..

    Alicia, I love the new pic...Gotta love those cheap walmart bandannas...didn't think to look there.

    Toyah, love your new pic as well...

    Brenda, sorry I can't quite make out your pic, is that you a Jesus....wish I had a closer relationship with him...perhaps I wouldn't be here if I did...But then again I would never have had the chance to meet such great wonderful supportive ladies...

    Mabelle, sorry you feel like crap, but you are lucky to have such great friends...My cousin took me to chemo this morning and brought over a wonderful dinner for us...we had a great visit while I had poison injected into my body then we went our for lunch, or as I like to call it"my last supper".

    well that's it for me...I hope I can make it down the stairs tomorrow to read and make posts...

    Later

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    michele,

    The picture is just a picture I have used as my avatar on FaceBook ever since i have been diagnosed. I just really like it. One the man, he looks not only like Jesus, but back in the day so to speak he looks like my husband. When we met he had long hair and a beard and actually looked like this avatar pic. The women pictured looks like myself when i was younger. so, I just loved it and decided to have my picture of my youth, as late I have been really missing it. I again started to cry, cry, cry, except when I seen SharD and she can always make me giggle. Even lovely things are making me cry.

    Lymphedemia??Spelling??? Anyways now I have to worry about it too as the Axially Dissection totally messed up my arm. BUT, this too shall pass. I was trying to set up an appt. to correspond with my chemo TX, so as not to loose any more time from work. I had a dang meltdown while talking to the person who schedules the appt. I apologized after I gathered myself together. BUT, they don't realize we are working people too. I can only loose so much time before I end not having a job. Lord know I can't afford not to work. Enough said, sorry for complaining.

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited January 2010

    Hey SharaD - glad you're back. Tell all on the bong thing. I haven't had a joint since 1978 - bummer.

    Sharon: Sorry you have to work, it must be SO hard. I am so lucky to have had income protestion insurance and didn't even know it!! I do miss work heaps but you girls keep me well occupied and smiling.

    I liked your other avatar of your balding head. Now that I had my buzz redone and if I put my glasses on we could be sisters.

    Sue

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  • RedheadPam
    RedheadPam Member Posts: 98
    edited January 2010

    Hi, Warrior Women!  I am sending waves and vibes of happiness and strength to all.  Had my followup with my onc today and I am OFFICIALLY DONE WITH CHEMO! I had my last tx on 12/23, but onc has now given me the official all clear and we are ready to move on to rads! I cannot tell you how good this feels, and I can't wait until you are all in my shoes.  I know it seems like it will never end, but it WILL end and you WILL feel normal again. My big fat steroid face is starting to go down a bit and my stubble is starting to feel a little more like hair, although my eyelashes are apparently heading someplace warm for the winter. I can stop carrying anti nausea meds everywhere I go and can eat sushi and maybe even have a margarita.  I am sending every bit of determination and strength to all of you that I can.

    My Onc is setting up my appointment with the radiation onc...but he says I look like a good candidate for the Canadian protocol, which would mean only 3 weeks of rads. Will know soon! 

     Much love and wishes for no SEs.....

    (oh, ps...the commerical I was the "wig model" for is done -- anyone want to see?)

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Pam, yes we want to see...congrats on the completion of chemo...yah youKissSmileWinkLaughing.

    What is this new Canadian protocol...I am still getting 5 weeks...I live in Canada...

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  • mabelle
    mabelle Member Posts: 80
    edited January 2010

    Pam - for sure, post the commercial! And I'm wondering about the "canadian protocol" too. Most of the gals I know are going in for 5 weeks !?

    Shar - looking forward to the bong story. I worked up the courage and asked my onc about medicinal marajuana - legal in my province. I have an appointment at the "green cross society" (love that name) next week. Should be interesting. I'm bringing a friend for support (and protection). Hopefully I'll have an interesting story to tell after that.

    Michele - yes, thank god for the helpful hands!!! I'm glad you had a great visit with your cousin.

    I'm feeling so much better today. I didn't expect this at all - but I'm certainly not complaining. Its been different every tx for me. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I'm certainly grateful for today. Unfortunately, I got a call from our elementary school today, my 6 year old son was vomiting at school and I had to go pick him up. Poor little guy. Diarrhea and barfing all day long. I think he took on my SEs! I just hope I don't get what he's got.

    hugs to all, mabelle 

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  • BeccaS
    BeccaS Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2010

    Pam - Congrats!!! We will get thru this. And do please post your commercial.

    Shar - I have been curious about medical marijuana but didn't think my SE were bad enough... I look forward to hearing about your visit.

    Everyone - best wishes and thanks for posting.

    Had my 4th TCH treatment today --- can feel it, feel the SE coming, but the steroids, zofran, compasine and all the meds, vitamins, amino acids etc are keeping them at bay for now. One day at a time. My sister takes me to all weekly chemo tx and we combine it with lunch and whatever activities I have energy for. It is a real plus in this experience. My DH comes to all DR appts and stays as long as he can depending on his work. He picks up so much of the home chores, and my sons help some too. I am grateful for my support community --- and you are an essential part of it!

    Becca

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  • RedheadPam
    RedheadPam Member Posts: 98
    edited January 2010

    Ok, so here is the link to the ad....I think there are 3 pictures of me in it. Aparently some of the images from the ads may show up in print, too, but who knows if I'll be one....the wig in the last shot is the one they gave me as payment for my day of modeling......

    http://www.stvincent.org/about/foundation/foundation_success.htm

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  • littlebird75
    littlebird75 Member Posts: 120
    edited January 2010

    RedheadPam - thank you for sharing the link! Great photos!

    As for me - no sleep last night due to pain and nausea. I had my 3rd Cytoxan/Taxotere on Tuesday. Last night I started to notice vision changes - as in - I was driving and may as well have not had my glasses on, blurry at a distance. Later in the evening I couldn't see my screen on the laptop well at all and this morning (just an extention of last night is what it feels like to me) the blurriness is coming and going as well. Any one else expeiencing something similar with any tips to share?

     

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited January 2010
    Pam, those are great pics, did you get to keep a copy of any of the pics? Your eyes say alot.
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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Cindy, no I have had nothing like that...perhaps you should call your nurse/doc...can't hurt. 

    Pam, tried the link, but it wouldn't come up.. will try later.

    Becca, keep holding on.  this to shall pass.

    Mabelle, I came home yesterday from chemo,and I was in the door 2 seconds and the cat started vomiting...That happened with my first chemo as well...what the hell.

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Michele ~ I think the chemo smell that vaporizes off of us is effecting your cat.  :)

    Pam ~ the ad is great you look beautiful !

    I got some unnerving news DH's blood test came back negative for it being something genetic... So now onto CAT scans looking for tumors.  I am awaiting authorization from the darn insurance company so I can make the appointment.  I am stressed out beyond belief.  And on top of this all my best friends 12 year old daughter was just diagnosed with bone cancer.  She has a long road of chemo and surgery ahead of her.  I just may lose it !!

    Hugs ~

    Sorry to be such a downer I am so overwhelmed... AND then chemo on Monday ~ grrrrr....

    Alicia

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    good morning Alicia...sounds like your day has started off sucky..I know how you feel about your friend...my friend had a bc scare a few months ago and I was worried sick for her as well...she was lucky as it was nothing..tell her we  will include her in our prayers as well...It sucks my list of prayer people is getting way to long.  Big hugs for your husband, too.  You know we are here for ya.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    LVLinda,

    Congrats to you as well!! Hope you do OK today after 6 TX's!! We will have you in our thoughts. You as well as RedHeadPam are as Pam said officially done with Chemo ~~ What an super accomplishment ~ I see Pam has Rads to do next, what is on your agenda ~ Hopefully home free!

    Pam,  you are stunning in your video!!!!!!

    Alicia,

    I wish the best for your husband I don't even know what to say, but think positive as you always do. My heart goes out to you with all these overwhelming issues you are dealing with.((HUGS)) 

    CAT60

    Tues Jan 12th, Innocenthaving surgery.

    You are in our thoughts and we all be saying our "Warrior Prayers"

                                           ((((((((((Healing Hugs))))))))))

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  • RedheadPam
    RedheadPam Member Posts: 98
    edited January 2010

    The Canadian Protocol is three weeks of treatments instead of six, but it depends on your stage, node involvement, etc....

    http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/radiation/new_research/20080922b.jsp

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Pam I liked your wig, super cute..

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  • SharaD
    SharaD Member Posts: 100
    edited January 2010

    littlebird - the blurred vision can be associated with the foot pain, finger pain...neuropathy.  The chemo is damaging nerves in these places and the blurred vision could mean nerves in the brain.  Vitamin E, Magnesium and Calcium can all help with this....check your bloodwork to see if you're low in those areas or ask them to check those counts next time if they're not already being checked.  If the blurred vision gets worse they might have to lower your dosage of chemo which would mean more chemo visits but less dosage at each visit.  Frown

     Almonds, safflower oil and sunflower oil/ sunflower seeds are good for Vitamin E.   Almonds also have magnesium as does potato, halibut, spinach, cashews, oatmeal.   For calcium you are probably already taking a supplement? 

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Melinda ~ you have a really great head !  You look GOOD bald~  I tried to do it the other day and post a picture.  Just couldn't do it.  Look like KOJAK.  Anyone have a lollipop?!

    :)

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Alicia,I think you would look great topless...so far everyone I have seen without a headcover look lovely...I think hair just gets in the way of beauty sometimes.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    ALICIA, I look like Kojak too, and have the LOLLIPOPS, they have greatly helped with Not SMOKING!! -C- at least gave me the will power to quit after 40 years of smoking. I'm glad I don't have lung cancer- Thank you Sweet Jesus!!

    Have a good weekend "Warriors"

    ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) B

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    ALICIA, I look like Kojak too, and have the LOLLIPOPS, they have greatly helped with Not SMOKING!! -C- at least gave me the will power to quit after 40 years of smoking. I'm glad I don't have lung cancer- Thank you Sweet Jesus!!

    Have a good weekend "Warriors"

    ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) B

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited January 2010

    Alicia Thank you , that is so sweet of you to say. I will say how weird it is to see myself like this. I never paid attention to my hair much, just kinda kept it in my face. I never liked my face, but now I have a whole lotta face going on! I just see truth, real, this is me.

    Can I share something that maybe weird? I am doing a photo thing next week, bald and boobless. Black and white photos of me and my scars. This is who I am right now and I am pretty OK with it.

    Personally, I think we all kinda ROCK!

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited January 2010

    BrendaSharon: YOu are so tough to give up the smokes - I haven't - too much stress.

    Girls: DO NOT GET CONSTIPATED - I feel like I've given birth for the 3rd time - OUCH!!!!!

    Sue


    Diagnosis: 10/13/2009, ILC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/5 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Oh SUE ~ I know what you mean about the constipated.  AT one point I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital !  Hope your bottom feels better.

    Melinda ~ not weird. Somewhere on the internet floating around, I saw a beautiful pic almost as you describe.  The woman is in a white sheer like dress, and it has one shoulder.  She had one side removed ~ and the shoulder that is off bares where her breast was.  It is a beautiful pic that shows such strength.  I think it is maybe your way of dealing and documenting this moment in your life just as it.  And heck you looking that good bald I am sure the photos will be beautiful. 

    Big hugs ~ and I agree we ROCK !

    :)
    Alicia

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Melinda, I love that idea...go topless for all of us...you are gutsy and I  love that.

    Sue, coffee, fiber, 20 green grapes, and beans.  That could do the trick...then go for a long drive with your male boss down a road that has no gas stations...that usually does the trick for me...yup, had to poo in front of my boss...oh yah, there was only a tiny shrub to squat behind...

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  • SharaD
    SharaD Member Posts: 100
    edited January 2010

    Constipation? Miralax with 1/2 water and 1/2 prune juice. WHOOSH!

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited January 2010

    Thanks girls - now it's the other - speedy shits. I did take some sennacot this morning - didn't think it would work that fast.

    Hey SharaD - you still have to tell us how your Xmas/New Year was and give us a laugh, you're being very proper.

    Just had to restore my bloody hard drive. Thank God for Acronis True Image, it's saved me so many times. Luckily I did a backup on Tuesday.

    Sue

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  • kayh
    kayh Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2010

    Hi to All, have not posted for a while, 3rd AC TX the worst yet, just now able to get my fingers to type. My Onc Dr has today told me that my body will not be able to cope with the six AC treatments that I was supposed to have. She has changed my cocktail now to 12 weekly  Taxol Tx's starting from 19th Jan. So I will be going along with a lot of girls on the Taxol route.

    Looking forward to getting the low down on Taxol SE's, supposed to be less than AC (I Hope!!)

    I must get around to taking a new photo. I just don't look like this one anymore.

    Sending positive and calming vibes for all those feeling like I have the last couple of weeks.

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Kayh ~ sorry you had a tough time with AC #3.  They tended to get a bit harder each time for me too.  I am now doing Taxol X4.  Takes all DAY.  I am up at 4:30 - thanks to the evening before decadron they have me load up on so I don't have an allergic reaction.  Last Taxol wasn't fun and I didn't get Neulasta after.  This time Tuesday Neulasta shot.  YUCK.

    Hugs to all.

    alicia

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited January 2010

    Hi Kay,

    I had noticed you hadn't posted for a while. Sorry you aren't so good.

    Sue

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