November 2009-Starting Chemo

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

    Congratulations Alicia - you made it !!!!!!

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited February 2010

    Back from Onc, chemo is working, node is smaller but still there, stubborn son of a bitch. Still have two kidneys. All is well.

    Start next round 2/16, 12 weekly infusions. Not sure which study arm I will be in, computer won't spit out my "recipe" until Monday.

    Life is good.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited February 2010

    Lots of girls with tx's between today and tomorrow. I posted smileys ahead for tomorrow,

    because I will be out of the office ~~~~~~~

    TaDahhhhhhhhh, Getting my last Chemo tomorrow!!~~~~

    I'm also going to see a lymphedema specialist just in case and to get a compression sleeve.

    Good luck to all Warriors with the side effects

    (((((HEALING HUGS)))))

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited February 2010
    Brenda:  Good luck with your last treatment!!!! I can't figure out how you are all starting to finish, when I have 2 to go yet - 4 more weeks eeek!!
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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited February 2010

    Thanks Sue,

    I started chemo on October 28th, every 3 weeks and I haven't missed any so my 6th and last is tomorrow. I am nervous and excited at the same time. Not looking forward to rads though! Embarassed 

    You started 3 weeks after me, also in Dec. one time, you went from 12/09 TX and the next TX wasn't until Jan 6th!  So that put you a total of 4 weeks behind me.

    BUT~~~~~~~~~~don't dispear you are almost there!!!~~~Kiss

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

    Brenda, good luck tomorrow....we are pulling you over the wall fellow warrior chick.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited February 2010

    Mechele,

    Thanks, I am tired BUT I will grap onto that Monkey's arm :-)

    I can do it, YES, I can.

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  • mabelle
    mabelle Member Posts: 80
    edited February 2010

    Cindy - I cry all the time. And my moods are crazy. My husband came home on sunday (after a 5 week absence) and I was yelling at him on monday morning for sleeping in and not helping me with getting the kids ready for school. Bit of a wack job.

    Alicia - Yeah - Chemo is over! congratulations!

    Melinda - love your photos. You look lovely in both.... but the makeup makes you look gorgeous! I am not a makeup gal, but I think I need to break down and start. The lack of eyelashes and eyebrows are startng to look creepy!

    Sue - I feel the same, everyone is finishing up their chemo and I'm only halfway! I still have 4 more treatments of paclitaxol and herceptin to go! I'll be here til may!!!

    I"ve been working a lot lately and honestly, it feels good. Of course I'm in my "good weeks" so I don't have to worry about nausea - but keeping my mind busy makes so much difference. I feel like a big bag of crap by the end of the night, but at least my days are going by quickly.

    Good luck to everyone having txs today/tomorrow!

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

    Hi Brenda,

    How long before you start rads? Over here they seem to leave 3 or 4 weeks between. You should throw a party at the treatment centre, I just might.

    It's incredible how quickly the months have passed by. A friend asked me how long ago this all started. Then I started counting the months - 4 months, but it seems like yesterday.

    Looking forward to when I return to work - might not be until June sometime - that seems like a long time too, but hopefully it will go fast.

    All the best for the last one - hope the SE's are bearable.

    Sue

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited February 2010

    I'm sorry Mabelle,

    I do understand how you two feel!!!  My heart goes out to you both. Cry I have had my share of cries as everyone on this board has seen.  Besides we will all still be here for all of you till the end.

    We are sisters forever!!!

    (((((Warrior Hugs)))))

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited February 2010

    Hey, Sue!!

    I should have at least 3 weeks in between chemo and rads. I am ready for it all to be done. This last go round I was really out of it and didn't much speak to anyone on board. I just kept up with smileys, etc. ( I at least tried)

    Yes, i thought about a party tomorrow, I'll see what DH thinks!~~

    In some ways it seems like yesterday, but in others, well I first thought I had a problem in June, was scheduled to be checked in July was diagnosied in August, surgery Sept and Oct. Oct. started treatment. It has been a long ride to me. But now that it is the end it seems like yesterday I heard the bad news you are positive!SurprisedBeen a freek ever since.   LOL

    (((((HUGS SUEPEN)))))

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

    Brenda: I'm just jealous you're finishing. You could take a cake with you and party streamers!!

    Mabelle: How is lovely Vancouver - it's my most favourite place. I know what you mean about your husband coming home. Mine's been sleeping in another room (because I've been too restless) and decided he missed me. He generates a lot of heat too and I'm constantly having hot flushes, so for the last few nights he's been complaining cos I keep throwing the sheet off (it is very hot here). If he doesn't like it he knows where he can sleep.

    (((((((Hugs to everyone))))))

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

    Brenda ~ woo HOO your day is almost here !!!  Will be cheering for you tomorrow.  And for those of you still plugging along with your chemo ~ we will be at the finish line waiting to catch you in our arms !!!

    Mabelle ~ I hope your moods get better.  I don't think I have ever cried so much in my life.  It is making my eyes really wrinkly underneath.  Cry

    Sue ~ sorry you are so hot in Australia.  We are due for a foot or more of snow tomorrow.  THEY are already closing schools in some areas and we haven't seen a flake yet.  I am the one that usually leaves my bed, for the softer one in our spare bedroom minus a snoring husband.  I am so restless and uncomforable with the bone pain from the Taxol. 

    I have chemo flush today should have roid rage by tomorrow.

    Hugs my girls !!

    :)
    Alicia

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  • Mouse6694
    Mouse6694 Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2010

    YEAH Done with chemo still have a year of herceptin but no more chemo!!!!!

    For those of you still going it will be over soon dont you worryLaughing

    Alicia I too have noticed the extra wrinkles under my eyes but hopefully they too will get better come spring once our cells renew themselves.

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

    Way to go Mouse...whahoo

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  • mabelle
    mabelle Member Posts: 80
    edited February 2010

    Sue - Its the most gorgeous day today and the city looks beautiful. Cold and crisp with the sun shinning and not a cloud in the sky. I hope it stays like this for the olympics.

    I swear I've aged 10 years since this all began. Wrinkles are appearing everywhere on my face - especially above my lips and under my eyes! Not happy.

    Maybe sleep deprivation has something to do with the mood swings - I seem to wake at least 10 times a night in a sweat, ripping the sheets and my hat off... then a few minutes later putting everythng back on. Makes for a long night.

    Do the hot flashes get any better on Taxol?

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

    Mabelle: I'm on T(axotere)CH and have had hot flushes since stopping my HRT meds. They do seem to be worse than when I was going through menopause. The heat and humidity here doesn't help.

    I've been doing daily beauty treatments since diagnosis, basically because I never bothered much before and decided to spoil myself. I have some eye cream from Avon that is supposed to make the dark circles go away. It seems to be working. Everyone tells me my skin is looking good.

    I'm not moving out of my bed, I love having it all to myself. Besides we have an ensuite and I would have to navigate the dark to get to the loo.

    Love to Vancouver - I spent a week or so there when our daughter was on exchange near Toronto. I came over to see her for 4 weeks and we flew over to BC and did all the sights.

    Alicia: Don't you have something for the bone pain? Claratyne (Claratin) is supposed to help. I also have Digesic tablets which I take for 3 or 4 days when the pain starts. I am hobbling around though as my kness are crap anyway and the chemo has made it much worse.

    Sue

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

    Mabelle, have you talked to your onc about hormone therapy after you are done you rads..I assume you are doing rads.  Your diagnoses is most similar to mine, that is why I ask.  Just to compare what you are offered and I am offered.

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

    Mabelle ~For me my hot flashes are a bit worse on the Taxol.  But I think because my period has finally stopped.  I had it for 3 out of 4 A/C treatments ~  I too rip the hat on and off, as well as do the blanket toss on and off all night. 

    Sue ~ I do have some pain pills the oncologist gave me.  They don't help much.  I only took the Claritin for the Neulasta pain, maybe I should give it a try.  Can't hurt!  Glad you are pampering your face a bit.  Mine is showing signs of neglect for sure !  :)

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  • mommy2two
    mommy2two Member Posts: 130
    edited February 2010

    Mouse & Alicia - Congrats on finishing chemo!!

    Brenda - I will be thinking about you and cheering as you cross the finish line tomorrow!

    Mabelle - The last paragraph of your post describes exactly what I have been going through every night.  I sympathize with you and agree that it makes for a long night AND long day at work...I have never wanted my period to come back so bad in my entire life!

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

    Alicia,

    I don't get neulasta shots, but my onc gave me the digesic plus Claratin for the bone pain from the taxotere - said to take them together, claratin in the morning and digesic every 4 hours.

    I've been cleaning again. Can't understand it as the steroids aren't until next week. Cleaned out the linen cupboard upstairs - wow what a difference. Now I have heaps of old sheets to throw out to go with all the old towels I found when I cleaned out the laundry. One thing I can say, this staying home for a change is good for the house. I even washed some light fittings yesterday. The whole place will be sparkling by the time I go back to work.

    Sue

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited February 2010

    I thought you might get a chuckle out of this:

    Went to the Onc yesterday, peed when I got there. 30 minutes later, they need a pregnancy test. So I am on the potty, decreased velocity, squirting every which way,  chasing the dribbles of pee with that damn cup!

    But, on the bright side, being bald, I can now wear black tops without ever worrying about dandruff flakes!

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

    melinda, gosh you make me laugh....what a visual...sounds like a movie scene...

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited February 2010

    Thank you everyone for cheering me over the hurdle!

    Yesterday was quite interesting, other than my last chemo, my day had begun with my usual hour and a half drive, but first I went to a 10:00 appointment at the Lymphedema Specialists where I was set up with a therapist who gave me a regime of exercises to be sure and carry out so that my radiation isn't delayed. Without full range of motion, I can't start my rads. Embarassed

    So, I'll begin my exercises immediately!!!! There are not that bad, just a little time consuming, but what the heck. I must get on with it and shall.

    She also took several measurements of both arms, as well my fingers wrist and arm all the way up to the shoulder.  This she will use for the fitting of my compression sleeve once she gets approval form my providers and the insurance. This should not be a problem for me. By 12:15, I was finaly done! Ready for lunch

    BUT, FIRST, I went to the eye Dr. as I had broke my glasses, Cool and they where right next door to the Therapists. Well he said I needed an exam because it had been 6 years since my last exam. I told him I had a appt. at 2:00 with Dr. Mabry, but he fit me in so I couldn't say no. I got out of there at 1:50,

    NO TIME for the celebration lunch I had planned, Oh well got NEW glasses. Sooooo,

    I then hauled boogie over to Dr. Mabry's in the nick of time. Hubby picked me up some Micky D to eat while I was being injected with the last of my drips!!!! Ya-Whoooo!!!!~~~~~ While consulting with my Dr. he made me feel really good, he said "I am not allowed to say this figure, that being -0-%, BUT I want you to know I have put you though a very grueling regime, he was impressed how well I done with the strength and amount of Cytoxan and Adriamycin as well as the FU-5 I was given. He said the doasage was VERY VERY STRONG!!!  He said between all of that plus the radiation I will be getting for 6 weeks and in addition the the AromaBase Inhibitors I will get for the next 5 years, that my chances for recurrence are -0-%. He said DID I say that??? I'm not allowed, but if I where I feel this is where you will be at."So it is fantastic news for me!!!!~~~~~~  Couldn't be happier as I never want to do this ride again.

    Thank all of you for being with me through thick and thin! I too like many others could have not made it with out the support of this group of wonderful people. All so different and yet all the same!!~~~  I will remember each and every one of you always!~~~

    We are the Warriors I will never forget!!!!

    ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((WARRIOR HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

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

    Brenda, such super wonderful terrific news...you must be on cloud nine....yahooo

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  • RedheadPam
    RedheadPam Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2010

    {{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}} to all you warrior women!  Welcome to the new monkeys on this side of the wall!Laughing

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

    Pam, gotta get me some of those...

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

    CONGRATS Brenda ~ so glad you are done and dr. gave you such great news !!!!!! 

    Pam ~ love the candy hearts !!! 

    Feeling crappy but glad to know it is just for a few days and then onto better days ~

    Hope everyone is doing well....

    Hugs ~

    Alicia

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  • doronet
    doronet Member Posts: 342
    edited February 2010

    OMGosh!  Brenda!  Such great news for our Warrior leader!!  Glad you have an onc. willing to "buck the system" and tell it like it is!

    I find out about rad. details on Monday.  Will be nice to finally find out what's what for this next phase. I've had lots of friends offer to drive me to rad. when I start, but I'm really hoping that part is no big deal and it will be such a piece of cake that I can haul my own butt there. Just heard on the news yesterday that 3 weeks of rads might very well be as effective as 5-6. Wonder if the radiologists are listening.

    Love the candy-notes, Pam.!

    Alicia: you're on the other side of the river.  Just rest on the bank for a bit.

    Here's hoping everyone has a great weekend with no side effects, no emotional roller coasters, and restful, sleep-filled nights!  Nette

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited February 2010

    Pam~~~~

    Had to get me some candy hearts, ate about 4 packs of candy heart notes last night. Had to read each on to DH of course! He said he loves seeing the silly me back and glad to see me smile. I even put my hip-hat-hair on and he was surprised. I haven't worn anything but hats since forever. I said I was celebrating my one step forward.

    Sue,

    They set me up fro Radiation consultation next week. Just to discuss my treatment, etc. Then the following week they will do the simulation and map out my tats, etc. Then the next week I should begin the rads, which puts it at 3 weeks. Still won't feel like a break because I have to still go from Carrabelle to Tallahassee every week, but I'm glad because the sooner the start the sooner my FINISH LINE will be!!!! 

    Doronette,

    Yeah I was really surprised he even said the word zero.  Hey now we can compare rad notes, you go Monday and I'll be going on Wednesday. I heard that also, but then read somewhere that they haven't really approved of it yet. I have just enough Ambium CR left to get some good sleeps in this weekend. I don't try to take them during the week as I am afraid I won't make it to work.

    Melinda,

    Prego test???? What is going on girlfriend? It has to just be hormonal right?

    Alicia,

    I am so beginning to feel human again. Even though it has been just two days since my Last chemo AND I know tomorrow will be my crap day, but just knowing I'm done I feel fantastic!!!

    Mechelle,

    I'm going to hang around the other side of the wall with the Monkeys and pull all the other Warriors over with me, soon we will all be over the wall hanging out together with a SMILE on our face. We can start to monkey around again.

    Mabelle,

    I wish we could make you smile, hang in there precious Warrior!!!!!!

    Kim & Cat,

    Good Luck with your Tx's today and may your side effects be minimal!!!!!!

    To all "Warriors" have a great weekend, see you next week.

    Love to all ((((((((((((((((((((Happy Valentine's Hugs))))))))))

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