**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • kduling
    kduling Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2010

    Hi everyone.....I haven't been on here in forever......been very busy with life.....school/work.    My hair is curly too.  I tried to blow dry it today with a diffuser and it was HUGE like an afro!   It was really funny!

    Not so funny.....I had a mammogram (on the one boob) on Monday and got a letter in the mail today that it had some abnormalities.   (I agree we should get 1/2 price mammograms!).   I'm freaking out.   The whole thought of going through this again.  

    About a month ago I was worried about this kind of ache in my leg.  I even called the doctor to get a scan....but then it seemed like it went away and I was convinced it was just the way I sat in my chair at work (there's a bar that kind of almost rubs me right on that thigh).....now (because of the "bad" mammogram) I'm convinced it's bone cancer and it's spread all through me, etc.....

    My hospital here was really good last year about getting me in immediately, so I imagine when I call tomorrow my onc. will get me in for an ultrasound probably tomorrow.   Then you know how the drill goes....if anything looks suspicious they might do a biopsy, etc.

    I haven't told anyone except one friend - I'm really sad.

    Chris:  Sorry to hear about your friends kids.  My girlfriend lost her 27 year old daughter right after Christmas from a car wreck and brain injury.  Soooo sad.

    Whoever mentioned all your pills and when you take them....you are too funny....we're on the same pills.....effexor, tamoxifen, synthroid.......but I also take adderall!    I just swallow all of them when I wake up.   (That's probably why I'm dying of cancer now.....because I don't take my pills like I should).   That's a (sick) joke.......

    Thanks for being a sounding board.  I will try to get on and update you all when I hear anything (could be Monday before I know anything)......

    Hugs

    Karen

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  • kduling
    kduling Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2010

    Oh dear....I really need to update my picture......

    One other "symptom" I've been having for about 2 weeks....

    Right under my collar bone (on the side of the supposedly "good" boob) I have felt for like 10 days like it's sore.  I thought maybe it was from doing the Wii that we got at Christmas....then I thought it was the way I'm sitting at work (again).....

    DUH

    Now I have convinced myself it's all bad.....

    Breathe......breathe.......breathe........

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  • 7timewinner
    7timewinner Member Posts: 183
    edited February 2010

    Francine, your hair looks gorgeous!!

    Nadine

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited February 2010

    karen so sorry to hear about the mammogram abnormality. Remember though that there are heaps of false abnormalities, if you know what I mean, and I will have my fingers crossed for you that all proves well. I too have continued aches in some joints and  bones and go through phases of being convinced I have bone cancer, especially in my hip joints which still creak and click a lot. I think we will never be completely past that fear. Keep  us posted!

     nadine glad to hear you are feeling yourself. I think sometimes we have to choose between cancer recurrence risk reduction and quality of life, but I hope you can find some way of not having to compromise on either.

    Francine thanks for asking about D. He's well, though his son has just started school and is getting into a bit of trouble being precocious!

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited February 2010

    Karen,   I had a mammo a couple weeks ago and I got called back to come back in for more views. I did the oh crap not again feeling- luckily they got me in the next day and did more scans and I was totally fine- it was an area of compression on the first scan.  Dayla

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  • kduling
    kduling Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2010

    Thanks for your support ladies!   My onc. opens in 45 min....I'll call her and then go from there....

    :-)  Karen

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  • kduling
    kduling Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2010

    Thanks for your support ladies!   My onc. opens in 45 min....I'll call her and then go from there....

    :-)  Karen

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  • kduling
    kduling Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2010

    Thanks for your support ladies!   My onc. opens in 45 min....I'll call her and then go from there....

    :-)  Karen

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited February 2010

    Karen!! good luck to you!  I have everything crossed, there  are 100's of false positives!!! I am sorry you have to sweat it out!!!!

    All!  My 3 month check up went well CEA neg!!! Phew another respite for 3 months?  Does anyone know about being premenopausal with hormone positive BC and having an oophorectomy?  I asked my onc and he seemed stumped, I am exploring other sources, but I thought some of you may have had oophorectomies!!! I am currently on tamoxifen, no SE, but that only blocks the ovaries, not the adrenals like arimidex...... Of course the arimidex increases incidence of osteoporosis and heart Dx.... none of it is ideal I just don't want to wait 5 years and think I should have asked!!!!! Looking forward to your imput!!! As always, thanks, Dawn

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  • 7timewinner
    7timewinner Member Posts: 183
    edited February 2010

    Karen, good luck to you!!

    Dawn: I was ER/PR+ and had an oophorectomy. I have been on Arimidex for a few months, tolerated it quite well until recently when I started having horrible, severe rage/depression fits. I have been off of it for a week and already I am back to my old balanced self, so it's more than likely the med that caused that. Fortunately, there are a few AIs from which to choose, so if one doesn't work, we try another :)

    It always surprises me to hear of an oncologist who does not consider oophorectomy for ER+ patients. Seems like kind of a no-brainer to me...shut down the estrogen factory! Of course, if you are still wanting children, that is another thing to think about. I am 40 and done having children now, so it worked for me. The heart and bone issues are managable with exercise and careful monitoring, and meds as needed. The surgery itself was relatively simple, esp. if you can have it done laparoscopically (I did). Same day surgery.

    That's my take on it, anyway...good luck!

    Nadine

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    HI Ladies,

    Karen ..I do hope all turns out well. Remember we are all here to support you. Relax...

    Dawn..It never hurts to speak up and ask your docs questions. Dawn .congrats on your good report.

    Nadine..thks for commenting on my hair. I am enjoying the curls and the maintenance free asppect of this curly hair.

    Have a great weekend ladies.

     Are any of you Olympics fans. Today it all begins.

    Hugs,

    Francine 

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited February 2010

    Karen,

    Good luck with your tests...I'm sure all will be well....keep us updated!

    Feeling crappy lately.  I want to eat ALL the time.  I go to the gym at least 3 days a week and then do some time on treadmill inbetween.  BUT...doesn't seem to be doing much good when I can't walk away from food.  :(

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Karen, Wish you the best on Monday.

    Chris..It may seem silly but in our house I try not to buy things which will temp us. Buy things your family enjoys and not you. Your  exercise regimen sounds great. My husband and I have been going to the gym multiple times lately. Feels good getting back to my old self.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • malleme
    malleme Member Posts: 210
    edited February 2010

    Hi,  been busy but still read daily.  I would like to hear too about ER/PR+ perimenapausal women.  I went on Tax in SEpt. but DEC/Jan had rages all of the sudden and developed endrimetrial polyps.   I asked my gyn and onoco about an ooophectomy I am not getting a straight anwer on how to proceed.  LIke someone just said I kinda feel shutting down the ovaries should be what they are recommending but instead I am getting a hysterocscopy (D&C). They did switch the taxofin with farestan which has really made a difference in muscle cramps,back pain ETC. 

     What are advice are perimenapausal women getting??Please share

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    I just can't seem to catch up on anything this week. I need a holiday from my holiday...lol. Also I am getting a little anxious about my TE surgery on the 19th so I have been trying to keep myself occupied with work etc.

    Karen: I am so sorry to hear that you are having a call back but I will share this with you. I went for a mamm u/s on good breast in Septemeber. Suspicious so I had to get a biopsy. I had been having joint and severe lower back issues for months so naturally I assumed that my bipsy would say I had BC again and that it had spread to the bones. I really was freaking out. I remember feeling like I got kicked in the stomach when they said I needed a biopsy. Well like most biposies... it came back B9 and my back issues are degenerative disc disease...nothing at all to do with cancer. I still wonder with every ache and pain and I think that's normal. I can feel your anxiety and I wish I could give you a big hug.  The good thing is that the medical teams are very diligent about checking things because of our BC history. Good Luck tomorrow and I am sending you a big cyber hug and extar prayers for the "all clear"  Breathe...Breathe...Breathe

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Oooops....One more thing.

    HAPPY VALENTINEWinkS DAY.

    Sending chococate, wine and hugs to all of you beautiful ladies.

    Hugs

    Beth

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited February 2010

    Okay, so Aunt Flo arrived on Saturday with a vengeance; I ended up in emergency after fainting in church (was singing at  ordination service in a country town and had to be carried out right in the middle of the best bit, apparently) and had to be given oxygen and fluids and have ECG scans and blood tests which all showed nothing wrong, so it was obviously just my body freaking out at my period being back. It was interesting how much more attention I got as a former chemo patient, though - the paramedics and nurses and doctors were all very very attentive after they found out. I wonder if that hyper-vigilence will reduce over time?

    I had completely forgotten how horrible my natural periods are - I was on the Pill for years up until diagnosis to manage them and will have to ask the naturo path if there is anything I can do to control them now. But of course I am really glad to have the period back again - I am one of those ones who wants to have children so I have to think of estrogen as my friend, at least in moderation!

    Pickle I will be thinking of you this week in the lead up to your operation.

    Dawn great to get another all clear!

    Chris I am doing far too much eating too. I don't know why - there is no real reason. 

    karen please keep us informed!

    Love to all.

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  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 985
    edited February 2010

    Karen...Please keep us posted and good luck!

    Sakura....Wow! @ your period coming back like that!!  Mine has not returned yet, and I am not looking forward to it at all. I hope you are ok now.

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited February 2010

    Hi all,

    Happy Valentine's day to you all.  I currently have no special man in my life, so this is a bittersweet day for me..  lol

    Karen,  I hope everythings working out and looking up for you.  hang in there.

     Ladies, as with you I seem to want ot eat constantly.  It's awful.  I keep trying to gain more control, but continuously screw up..  I have an appt w/ my onc. this Friday.  I'm going to talk with them about the tamoxifen.  I know that's why I'm always eating.  And it's affecting my mood, and breathing.  so, for now, I'm not taking it every day.  I take it, then wait for a day or two until I feel better and take it again.  I know that's not what I'm supposed to do but I absolutely can't stand the side effects.  I spoke with my onc about this on my last visit and he suggested not taking it for a while to see if the side effects subside and they did, which is why I'm not taking it every day right now.  I need to learn more about the other options....  ugh!!!

     Sakura,  I'm so happy for you that your period came back.  But sorry you had to deal with the fainting spell...  

    All, I'm watching the olympics and now just want to go to Vancouver, BC.  I've always loved Canada.  I've been to Ottawa and Montreal, but not the west coast.  It looks fantastic!!!

    Take good care,

    Beth

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    Happy Valentine's Day My Friend Pictures, Images and Photos"

    I do hope all had a special valentine's day. Even the single ladies whom I am sure are happy to be healthy ...

    Beth..Your TE surgery will be fine. Is it out patient? I had it in November and was out  driving the next day. A little sore but surely manageable. You will do fine. Atfer all that we have been through this should a piece of cake.

    Rachel..Wow what a reaction you had to Aunt Flo. Sounds like all is under control now.

    Bethr- I too am a fan of the Olympics. I love seeing all the athletes from around the world. I have visited Vancouver and loved it.

    Karen..Our thoguhts are with you tomorrow.

    I must say that some ladies on another board were not happy with my optimism and encouragement. I think the support which we all get from each other definitely makes facing things more easily. As Dayla said before her latest scare what can be better than being with fellow BC sisters.

    Hugs to all,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Rachel: Congrats on the sacred return of Aunt Flo but gosh....what a way to return. Glad you were treated quickly.

    Dawn: Gald to hear that you have the "all clear" huge sigh...of relief!

    Karen: Thinking of you today and sending positive vibes.

    Francine: I saw a few of those posts. I admire your optimism and encouragement and have always found it uplifting and helpful. You are a blessing here!Smile

    Beth and Chris: I have become quite a snacker myself but I try to limit what I bring in the house too. Too tempting for me. I stock up on Almonds (10-12 really fill me up and they are good for you) trail mix, veggies (celery sticks, carrots, etc) and drink lots of water. I have never had a sweet tooth so staying away from cookies, cake etc is easy but I do like a small bit of extra dark chocolate.

    I love the Olympics and have been wearing my official olympic hoodie faithfully. It's nice to see the countries of the world all come together for a positive event even if it's for such a short time.

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited February 2010

    Sounds like a lot of us our in the same boat.  Constant snacking, constant thoughts of recurrance, loving our curly hair.

    Karen - An ooph was never mentioned to me but since I am 51 and in chemo/tamoxipause. Onc. thinks the period will not come back at my age, I would guess that is why it was not mentioned.  Hope all went well today with your call to your onc.

    Beth - Wish you speedy recuperation after your surgery.

    Rachel - That was quite an episode, glad to hear how thorough the medical field is when they are given the background.  Have a great visit with your Aunt.

    Francine - Glad your motivated to exercise and able to stay away from the goodies.  Even though I'm not catholic I may need to come up with some good lenten sacrifices and hopefully stick with it.

    Hope all had a great President's Day - I luckily was off today and had a great lunch at Bahama Breeze with a good friend.

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Congratualions Beth on Canada'a first GOLD at home during an Olympics. My DH and I were cheering. Just realized what your new Avatar is. Thanks as always for your nice comments about me. I do try to boost everyones moral here.

    How us Karen doing?

    Ladies I am beginning to check hotels for the reunion. 

     Snacking.  My husband and I often go for Coffee at either McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts..Oh yes Beth..We just love Tim Hortons while in Canada..Coffee fills one up and does help avoid snacking. Today we were tempted to have an ice cream at the MICKY D"s but resisted. Hurrah .My house has almost no junk food. Fruit , nuts etc.I also drink tea at home after dinner to fill me up.

    Hope all who were off from work today had a nice day.

    Snow is predicted once again tomorrow.

    Hugs,

    Francine

    .

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Francine: Thanks for cheering. It is the first Olympic Gold Medal win on "home" soil so we are ecststic and it couldn't have been won by a nicer youg man!  My brother's boss in Calgary has a daughter on the Canadian Olympic Alpine Snowboard Team. Her name is Kimiko Zakreski and we will be cheering her on. My boss is in Vancouver for the week. He is going to a number of events including the Men's Gold Medal Hockey game....we love our hockey...lol

    Patti: nice to have a day off to start the week. Bahama Breeze sounds like a tropical cocktail...were you sitting under a palm tree...lol

    Have a great eveving everyone

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Hi ladies,

    Another snowy day here in NYC. My DH and I had to stay in all day. We went out only to shovel.

    Tomorrow I have my three month Onco checkup. I am confident that all will go well.  The only things I think I will ask her about are tumor markers( what are they)  and her thoughts about lymphedemia and plane travel.etc

    I am watching the Olympics till past midnight. Just love the ice skating.

    Hugs,

    Francine

    We never heard back from Karen..

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Francine: Not snowing here! It was about -7C today which is good for us. Vancouver is suffering from unusually high temperatures which is wreaking havoc on some Olympic events. Are you shovelling? Are there any cautions for that with Lymphadema?

    It will be nice to get your onco checkup out of the way. Great questions that you prepared. Let us know the answers. Have you had tumor markers done? I haven't so I'm not sure about it.

    I am watching the hockey game right now. I saw some figure skating yesterday but my favorite is the Ice Dancing.

    Karen: Hope all is well. Check in...we're all rooting for you.

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited February 2010

    Sakura - Congrats on the return of Aunt Flo.  A tough first start but, I'm sure it's well worth it.  I also had it really bad and got on BCPs to control them.  I was really worried about how I would be able to manage with no pills but, it's been pretty mild for me.  I only get a headache a few days before and minor cramping the first day.  I hope it stays that way.  Good Luck!

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Nash,.How was Puerto Rico. Did you enjoy the hotel?

    Ladies ..well I went to the oncologist today. All was fine. I did ask about what tumor markers are and if they check on them for us. They are seen in the blood and since I came to the oncologist after my breast cancer was removed they have always been fine.She said that if my cancer were to spread to another part of my body the markers would pick it up. My question ( which I thought of after I left) if cancer is recognized easily through a blood test why don't people have them routinely for symptom free type of cancers. I will ask next time. Any thoughts.

    I also asked about lymphedema and sleeves , travel etc. The onco said I should really ask my surgeon when I go next week for more info, but she did say that when one travels your should move your arm around. Also women with SNB do have less of a chance but it is still possible.

    The Onco was also not happy with how my "good" breast felt after my lifts. She said it is hard to feel for tumors and she would recommend an MRI just to be sure. I will ask that question next week also. I am not concerned at all..,

    Oh yes as usual I had problems with my veins and the blood draw. I finally had to ask for the super nurse to draw blood and not eh technician.

    Another upsetting part of my visit was that the receptionist who was so nice to me last year during chemo, knew my name etc was wearing a head covering( for baldness) and was undergoing chemo... sort of freaked me out.

    A big night at the Olympics tonight. Many finals.

    Beth..congrats to Canada on your second gold on home turf.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited February 2010

    Sakura!  Yeah Flo, Did she have to make such a dramatic enterance???                                     Francine! Glad your tumor markers are good!! Sorry to hear of your other concerns!!

    Beth! I hope your SX goes well!

     I read often, but don't have alot to say, love hearing the good news from my friends!!!

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited February 2010
    Pickle I too am thinking of you for your surgery today.
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