Chemo Starting Sep 09
Comments
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A big Woo hoo Holly!...Don't ya think they would know we want the news asap??? A hard thing to run an office and treat patients like people....I think it must be a hard job...but good for you to push for your info!!!! So happy to hear!
Spent 8 hours at a wrestling tournament today....pooped and didn't even do anything :-) ...Have a great weekend!
Melinda
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Holly wonderful news!!!!
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Hello SOSisters.... hope this finds all of you doing well and not suffering from any side effects. I was pretty lazy this weekend, so tired from working all of last week. Today has been better than last Monday and I'm hoping my strength is going to return pretty soon!
Holly - YEAH!!! Wonderful news, I can't imagine how relieved you must be. I bet you were able to enjoy this past weekend.
Patty - Any SE's from your txt? I hope the next 2 are smooth, you are almost finished! I have definitely mellowed out, I hope I stay this way. Life is definitely too short to sweat the small stuff.
ScoobyDo- good luck tomorrow. When will you start the trial, do you know yet?
Catherine - any news? We're all praying for you altho we already know everything is okay!
Melinda - hope you had a good weekend and got some rest. How are you doing with the tamoxifin? How many more rads to go? Any side effects from the radiation?
Barb0323 - hope you are resting and feeling better!
Everyone else - hope all is well. Let us hear from you when you have time! Take care
Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jane
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It was wonderful to have a relaxing three day weekend. My college kids are both back at school and the house is much quieter. I miss them both already, but I love knowing their won't be a parade of kids suddenly ringing the door. I was forever running to my bedroom and throwing on a wig or scarf at the last minute. My children's friends never knew what they would see hair or no hair. The funny thing is that they never mentioned anything.
After tomorrow, I will have only one more taxol. Yahoo!!! The neuropathy has gotten a little worse. I am going to ask my onc about taking B6 and glutamine as recommended by another doctor I know personally. In any case, I am counting down the days.
I haven't decided when to start radiation (28 treatments). My rad onc says I start 2 to 6 weeks after my last chemo. I am trying to decide whether I should start after spring break and enjoy a little r & r. On the other hand, I sure want to get it over with. I am scared. I have been reading the entries on Dec and Jan 2009 threads. Ugh! I am not sure it is going to be a walk in the park. Maybe I am wrong.
I've been wondering how I will feel emotionally when the chemo and radiation is done. I will have been fighting bc for close to six months when I am done with treatments and then there will be nothing else I can do, but watch. Hmmm....
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Chinablue I am so with you on the running in and putting a hat or scarf on! If I am 'topless' when the doorbell rings I am always hoping someone else will answer it. I am comfortable with some seeing me bald but not everybody - funny isn't it? And certainly not strangers! Like your kids' friends, my 21 yr old son's friends have seen me bald (some of them) and are soooo polite about it! I just think they have such good manners.
Good luck with your rads - I think maybe the waiting to start might be hard - I know i went thru a minor meltdown a frew days BEFORE I started chemo. I was so worried and nervous about what to expect. It's the unknown that is hard (not to say the known isn't also hard sometimes too!!)
I am happy to say that today, 4 1/2 weeks post chemo, was the first day I felt "hmm maybe it is possible that I will get me old self back". Not that I felt 100% but just that for the first time it felt possible that it will happen eventually. A good feeling.
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China I know what you mean. When chemo was finished I felt like...hmmm what next? But I have so much going on. With the BRCA testing, starting the bisphosphonate trial and starting rads I am so busy.
Met with the trial nurse today to turn in my final paperwork. She was so wonderful. She told me they are having success with both arms of the trial. The only reason Zometa was highlighted was because of a study in the UK which focused solely on Zometa. She said regardless which arm she felt that I would benefit. Also because I am in the study, they will watch me much more closely than if I was not in the study. They will track my bloodwork results on a monthly basis, I will see my onc every other month,etc. So that means I wont have to feel like I have been dropped like a hot potato once done with rads. So I am feel extremely positive about this study. As a TN woman, everything I can do to reduce my chances of recurrence I am going to do.
Neece - thanks for posting that. I am just 2 weeks post chemo and I still feel yuck. I look forward to feeling a little like my old self. Have you noticed any of your hair growing back?
Anita
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Neece- I'm so happy to hear your starting to get yourself back...Jane...it's coming hang in there!
China - I had surgery then waited 6 weeks for rads - by the time I started (Jan 5th) I really felt good and healthy. The wait gave time to get my body and mind in a better place. I'm glad I waited....
Rads are going good so far. 11 done 22 to go... It's beginning to get a little red now, but I'm still drinking my red wine everynite and I swear it helps... So today was my 1/3 done marker.... so far not much pain...just an occasional zing or burning sensation. I'll be keeping you guys updated....Crossing my fingers for an easy path...
The tamoxiphen has been interesting...I am getting occasional light flushing and still hot flashes periodically throughout the day and nite. Nothing I can't handle. I thought it would be much worse...and it still seems to be evolving after 10 days of taking it. I'll keep you posted on that too...
How are our last September Chemo girls doing?? Hope these days are going by quickly for you... Thinking of you all..
Big Hugs!
Melinda
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Hi Ladies,
I found a small small lump in the non mastectomy breast. I didn't know if I was being hyper sensitive so I asked my onc to check it out. He said it felt cystic and was probably not of any concern. However, he did order a mammo and ultra sound. Heavy sigh...
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Oh, I forgot say it looks like I have some sort of abnormality (?) with my retna. I am having that checked out today. Tomorrow is the mammo/ultra sound. Heavy sigh....
At least, I only have one more taxol to go!
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Where's Pamelajo?
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China - Sorry to hear about your lump...Praying for good news for you tomorrow. It's the kinda thing we are all fearful of....sorry you even have to deal with this scare! I'll check in tomorrow night to see how it goes.
Hugs,
Melinda
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China- Sorry about the lump. Keep us posted! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
DiDi-I don't know where Pamela is, I think she is AWOL. Jane PM'd her but I don't think she ever heard back.
I had my 6th Taxol yesterday and I Feel awesome today, appetite bloating and everything. I feel great, and I am enjoying every minute. I mentioned last Friday to my onc's nurse, via the phone, about my bloat and my over-cautious onc wanted me to have a full CT this week. I said are you kidding? I REALLY don't need that kind of stress. So I took myself off my iron supplement and suspended all soda intake, and I feel great, so I called my onc's office and said I am great, canceled the CT all is good.
The thing that drives me the most nuts is if I have a problem, say itchy spots on my hands, they say "Oh that can't be the Taxol" and I am like "Really? Cause I have never had this before and now you are sticking these chemicals in me and it IS happening" It isn't rocket science and we all aren't the same, some of us shockingly,insert sarcasm, have different reactions.
I know I have a phenomenal onc, and everything, but it is that whole idea that if it hasn't happened to others it can't be ...
Thanks for the vent.
Love to you all and hope you are good.
Catherine, did I miss it, any news?
Barbara
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Hello SOSisters... just a quick post to let all of you know I'm thinking of you. Tired but working, waiting for that boost of energy to return!
ChinaBlue - I'm so sorry you have to go through this anxiety! How did the appointment go with your eye? Is this a side effect of chemo do you think? Will be praying for you and looking forward to tomorrow's post. Will you get results tomorrow? I had a lumpectomy and my whole breast feels like a lump, I'm not sure what is normal anymore. I certainly check my breasts a lot more often than I use too. I have to agree that if you read the other threads it does make you think this radiation thing might not be as easy as we think, but we will fly through rads!
DiDiT - haven't heard from Pamelajo and am really worried about her. I have sent her a couple of PM's but she hasn't responded and she normally responds right away. I am really hoping she just got tired of BC and decided to take a break! How are you doing?
Neece - glad you are feeling better. I don't think anyone has reported being back to 100% but we all know that eventually we'll get there. Some ladies report it takes a good 6 months to get back to "normal". Guess we can only wait and see. Do you get to help with planning the wedding? When in February do you start your new job?
Anita - when will you start the trial and rads? You do have a lot going on, how often will you have to go for the trial?
Melinda - reading your posts are so encouraging for the rest of us. 1/3 of the way there, wish I could say that. While it is good to have a break between chemo and radiation, it really makes me not want to go back!!! Glad to hear you are having a easy time with both the radiation and the tamoxifin.
Well ladies, missing a lot of you! Hoping you are just enjoying life after chemo but please stay in touch! Take care.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane
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Thanks for your concern ladies. The eye doctor says not to worry about the bump on my retina. It does not look malignant. Thank God. He says I could have been born with it or it might be new. He wants me to see me in couple months just to make sure it is not growing. He says don't worry and he does not think it is related to the drugs I have been taking with chemo.
Tomorrow is my mammo and ultrasound.
I am also having a bone density test to get ready for zometa. I am considering a clinical trial (pill vs. iv) or just getting it every six months.
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Jane - I'm doing well - can't remember if I posted my 'bump in the road' on this thread...had bmx w/te's dec 18 - developed infection prophylactic side - in hosp iv antibiotics for a week then had te removed last Wed. ..left side being filled aggressively to ready me for radiation -at 500 cc - So, now I know what it's like to have mast w/te's and without!! If I can be of assistance to anyone - would gladly do so!!
Will have te replaced about two weeks out of radiation - and that fill should be on track for exchange somewhere around June
Hugs!!
Di Di - Worried too about Pamelajo - Seemed she sure had alot on her plate, and always so optimistic and ENTERTAINING!!!!
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Hi Jane. I will start rads Feb 1st...I believe. I meet with my rad onc on Friday and will know more after that meeting. I start the trial next week and since I am on the oral I will just take my pills every day. They said I will have to visit my onc every other month for the first 6 months. I asked my trial nurse is one arm better than the other and she said no. They are both bisphosphonates. Zometa has had more PR since the UK did a study on it. They did not study other bisphosphonates. What is really making me happy is that I can get rid of this port. UGH I HATE IT. So I am looking forward to restful night sleeps. Has anyone here had their port removed? I want to know if the procedure is painful.
China- I am so sorry about the lump...I am praying that it is just a cyst and benign. You should seriously consider entering the trial. Especially since you are TN like me. Either arm is good and you are getting a much higher dosage of bisphosphonates in either arm than you would otherwise get. Also your doctor will monitor much more closely than if you were not in the trial. I am glad the bump on your is nothing to worry about.
DiDi - I know this is a dumb question but what is a te? Glad to hear you are out of the hospital.
Barbara - that also drives me nuts. Things that have never happened that all of a sudden happen while we are on chemo, when we bring it to their attention, the first thing out of their mouths is...well it is not the chemo. Are you kidding me????? I had a abrasion on my private. Most likely because I had laxed off of the spraying after bathroom. They told me it was not the chemo and then tested me for herpes. Can you believe that? Anyway sorry for my vent. But that just drove me crazy.
So my port removal is next Tuesday and I am nervous and really happy.
Anita
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Anita - there are no stupid questions - I felt like I was learning a new language when I found this site, still don't know all of the acronyms!!
Tissue Expander
I also had to have my port removed, as they were afraid it being so close to the infection that bacteria may have migrated and harbored on the 'foreign object'.
6 days after having the tissue expander removed from that side (same incision as mastectomy - but cut away previous incision) and still had drain in - went to surgeons office - he injected lidocaine for local anesthetic (which I won't lie, hurt) - but then only felt some pressure while he removed the port - his assistant held pressure on my neck (subclavian vein?) - he then stitched up same incision with a few stitches which I'll have removed next week along with the stitches on my right breast mastectomy / tissue expander removal incision.
The port removal 'spot' looks good - no bruising, just a little tender:)
Good luck with radiation - I should be right behind you - think I'll be going for simulation within a couple weeks
Onward and Upward!!!Di Di
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China - Keeping my fingers crossed for your tests. The vast majority of lumps are b9!
Barbara - Aside from the bloating, I'm glad you're feeling good on the Taxol. I've also had a really good Taxol experience ...although I am finding that I'm definitely more tired as the weeks go on (I get #11 on Friday). I still feel good, just tired and longing for bed at about 7:00pm. I, too, had the itchy red rash that no one wanted to associate with the Taxol. Good thing we have each other to talk to on these boards!
Melinda - Hurray for you...1/3 done! I'm taking about a 4-week rest between chemo and rads, and I'm looking forward to it...the rest, not the rads. HA.
Anita -VickiLynn did a description of her port removal earlier on this board (December 22nd). It sounds a lot less complicated than the installation. I'm looking forward to getting mine out as well. Sometimes it makes me a little woozy when I see it in the mirror...it is just so weird having a foreign object in your chest.
Neece - Glad you hear you are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel...and it is NOT a train. Hope your strength and energy comes back fast now.
Jane - Your post-chemo experience has helped me keep my expectations in line as I finish up. Although the last TX is a celebration, we still have all the recovering to do. But at least you've started the healing and things should be heading the right direction!
Now that I'm almost done I've started to worry more. Will it come back? Will it go somewhere else? It is so reassuring to hear that others have this same feeling once the end of treatment is near. You ladies are such a comfort. Thank you!
Patty
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Thanks DiDi for sharing your experience on the port removal. Ugh I hate pain and shots!!! So now I am scared of the port removal.
Patty - thanks to pointing me to Vicki's post. I read it. Again, she also mentioned painful shots. Why does everything have to include painful shots?????
Okay that is my rant for now.
Anita
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Hi Ladies
Just checking in. I read the posts When I get a chance but I have been busy with the kids. My MRI results where fine. Just repeat in 6 months.
Hope everyone is feeling good!
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
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Catherine - Hurray for good MRI results!
Anita - I think it is the lidocaine numbing shot that stings at first. Not too bad! Very quick! Do not fear!
Patty
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Thanks Patty. Your words have helped. I guess it cant be worse than when it was installed. Ugh that was horrible.
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Hi ladies,
My mammo and ultrasound showed that my right breast is healthy!!!!! It was just a little fat tissue. Yahoo! Catherine doesn't a little good news go a long way. I am happy that your MRI came back well.
Scoobydoo, I am strongly considering and have lined up or completed all the tests required for the Zometa pill vs iv trial. I will give my onc my decision on Tues. On the one hand, I will get more zometa, but is more better? I am concerned about ONJ. I will be monitored more carefully, which is good and bad. I want to know I am healthy, but do I really want to go to the doctor's office so frequently? I can still get zometa every six months without the trial; however, my insurance will only pay the first $1000 and a zometa treatment costs at least $1250. Anyhow, I will have my decision by Tues and I will let you know.
I love you gals. Have a great day.
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China I am so happy your results were positive!!! I love good news On the trial front, absolutely you must weigh all the issues before making the decision that is best for you. I am also concerned about the jaw issue. But my dentist will keep a close eye on me. I am happy I have the pill arm because that reduces the number of times I have to go in the office.
I think either way you go will be positive. I dont think there is a wrong choice in your case since you can still get Zometa.
Anita
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Everything is fine with me. I am totally ok......just not in a good place right now emotionally and I feel like if I kept complaining, I'd bring you all down....so I'm getting by best I can.
I hope you all are ok, and I love each of you!
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It is good to hear from you. Hang in there. We are here for you.
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Pamela- Good to hear form you. We understand. Let us know if we can help-even if it is virtually.
China- yea for good results!!
Catherine- Yea for you too!! So happy you ladies are getting good news!
Jane- I am so happy to hear you are seeing a light. I can't wait to be done.
Anita- I know they never think it is the drugs funny huh? That death Jaw thing freaked me out a bit, but if your dentist gave you a clean bill, all the better huh? Does it have side effects like Tamox? I hope you are feeling well.
Patty-Gosh you are funny, a train. haha. Yes I am so glad we have each other, because if I depended on the doc i wouldn't know. It is taking awhile, but that Aveeno is really healing up my hands too. I am super glad we are both doing well. I told someone at work today that AC was a struggle, and this is more like a workout.
My love to you all
Barbara
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Is anyone taking b9/glutamine for neuropathy? Is so, how much are you taking?
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Great news China & Catherine!
Pamela Jo...thanks for the update...you ever need to chat....don't hesitate to get in touch...everyday isn't a picnic and some days it just helps to get the words out of your mouth! You have uplifted me/us through some of the toughest days of our lives...I'm here to listen if you need an ear! Whether its up or down....no matter what!
Jane...how are you doing??? Barbara?? Patty..I get the panic attacks too...They go away after a while and then they pop back on occasion too... I'm trying to make positive changes in my health...it helps to know that I can at least do something to make a difference. It's easy to feel helpless with BC...We really don't know why! You are def not alone!
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
Melinda
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Pamela Jo - ditto to Melinda's comments! You have been so inspiring to so many - maybe we've put too much pressure on you - with the expectation that you always be 'up' - Everyone, yes, even you, are entitled to 'down' time - we're here to share the good and the bad!!
Take care, know that you're in many's thoughts and prayers and are missed when 'you're not around'!!
Di Di
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