May 2010 Chemo

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  • KimLovesDachshunds
    KimLovesDachshunds Member Posts: 177
    edited June 2010

    Day:  COOL -- hope you and boyfriend have your own weekend free of JUNK -- positive prayers it will be a replenishing weekend!

    Hugs to all -- just checking in for a moment.  :)

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  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited June 2010

    OH my you all talking about your moms ... Mine was here with my dad for my surgery .stayed for 4 weeks ..Love her but I was so glad when she left...she and my dad bicker a lot so it was kinda nerve racking keeping my tongue..then she and my dad came back for my second chemo...much better this time only stayed for the week...I had asked her to stay home for the first one...I had to keep reminding my self if this was my daughter I would want to be there too....that kept me from lashing out at her..doesn't help that she can hear and my dad ignores her...she would not put in her hearing aid...so TV was loud and she wouldn't hear her phone or my  phone...then if I was feeling bad she would get upset..and I would end up comforting her..so I was exhausted when they left...OK enough rant...

    I'm getting nervous about starting Taxotere..hearing all your side effects kinda scary ...I really didn't have bad side effects with the A..during infusion took only a small amount of time never bad enough to think about Emergency room.. I had more side effect with the Cytoxan (sp)    had to drip over an hour.because of bad sinus issues during infusion  and the Neulasta's Pains..Of course all the normal or seem to be normal bad tasting mouth and tiredness .

    Oops another rant..I'm angry because the prosthesis store I bought my new boobies are not in network even though I ask them and then asked my case manager.to make sure they were.... I asked them to make sure before I even ordered them..now come to find out they are not...then find out that Norstroms is in network...geeze...one thing that came out of all is I can have all the bras I want .woohooo...thought that getting only 3 bras a year  was a little silly...

    back on Anitbios this week due to low WBC  and I have a low Red blood count this time too..hopefully it will all bounce back next week  I have to have another blood check on weds...I sure hope it all back to normal because we have a party planned for the 3rd ..and want to party at on the river....haven't been on the boat all summer ...really really really want to be on the boat..at least one good float this summer...

    enough   I need to get to bed....I read a little thing the other day it said

    When life gives you lemons...throw them back and demand chocolate..... thats how I'm feeling!

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  • Summer38
    Summer38 Member Posts: 253
    edited June 2010

    JennyB - Sorry about your lung issues, hope you are ok. I didn't even know chemo might affect the lungs. Seems scary to me! {{{HUGS}}}

    Redbarb - I LOVE that you told the nurse how to do it! LOL

    Leanna - I'm glad you found a wig you like. Blonds have more fun!!!Wink

    Day - Happy Anniversary! Enjoy it, you deserve it.

    Sacphotomom - I hope you are able to get out on that boat ride!

     I love that I have all of you here to talk to and learn from everyday. It really does make all the difference, I don't know how I would get through this journey without you. Thanks guys!

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  • fotopet
    fotopet Member Posts: 91
    edited June 2010

    I read all your posts on my I-touch but it doesn't let me respond there.  So, apologies for not addressing everyone individually.  I am still swamped at work and trying to get alot done before I go into my chemo fog-land next week. 

    Working is not a huge deal for me, simply because I have no choice.  It does make me mad sometimes but I try not to let that get the better of me.  My own fault for not getting disability insurance last year when it was on my "to-do" list!

    Protein -- I get alot of mine from smoothies with yogurt and whey protein (DH makes them) and Carnation instant breakfast spiked with whey protein.  I, too, love tomatoes, fruit, etc and it's hard to eat meat beacus it seems so dry!  If I went with what I really want, I would eat nothing after chemo except chocolate milk, tomatoes, strawberries and cinnamon toast!

    I received my wrap from the same place the Day got hers.  Mine came last week.  I wasn't paying attention to my home email, so it came as a surprise.  Mine is cotton and bright and summery - very cheerful.  I am wearing it today - super comfy!

    I am dreading this next tx since I had reactions to both prior ones.  My doc has decided not to switch meds.  DH is wondering how high my blood pressure will go just befire they start the taxotere.  I think I will take a full dose of Ativan before I go.  Although, I am encouraged by Redbarb's experience with no reaction this time.  Yeah!

    Moms - My mom is visiting in a couple of weeks despite me telling her NOT to come.  I was planning on going out there (she lives near Las Vegas) between chemo and rads, but she just could not wait.  Love her but she always seems to say things that set me off.  And now I have to figure out how to entertain her, work, and ride out the SE's at the same time.  Ugh.

    So glad it's Friday. 

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  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited June 2010

    Well Sinus infection under control, finally starting to feel better.  Kind of stinks when my worst three days of post chemo collide with an infection, it really knocked me down.  I am hoping that I can still get my first tx of Taxol on Thursday even though I am on antibiotics.  My tx go through Aug 12th and my short term disability goes until Aug 22nd so I really don't want to be out of work any longer than that.  Actually, I kind of like being home and could really get use to it!  I really have a great job so going back won't be too bad.

    Leanna9- Your mom sounds like my mom.   She lived with us for a year until last summer and she drove my dh and I nuts.   She competed with my then 8yr old dd for my attention, if I wanted to go get a pedicure and she was coming, she would get annoyed if I invited my dd too.  Was kind of funny.   She came to visit for a week after my surgery, she was very helpful but I was ready to have her leave when she started inviting all my friends over to visit and I wasn't ready to see anyone, she really wanted them to come visit her! LOL     She just told me yesterday that she is planning on coming this summer to "help" me out.    I am fortunate that she is very giving and wants to see us, but after a week or so we start fighting too.

    JennyB - I hope your lung issues get better.  All these SE's suck!

    Redbarb - Glad to see you got through your last TX OK.

    Summer38 - Congrats on your daughters graduation!

    I am sorry I didn't get to reply to everyone, I read all the posts and am thinking of you all!  Have a great SE free day!

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  • JennyB100104
    JennyB100104 Member Posts: 237
    edited June 2010

    LOL, I'm glad I'm not the only one with mixed feelings about my mom visiting. We're good for a week or so...but a MONTH! I'm going to need to acquire the patience of a saint. Somehow....

    I'll just try to remember that she's here because she loves me and she wants to help. Right?

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  • fotopet
    fotopet Member Posts: 91
    edited June 2010

    LauraM - I started my first chemo still on antibiotics from my wound infection.  So, hopefully your antibiotics won't be an issue for you.

     JennyB - I'll try saying that over and over when my mom visits:  "She's here because she loves me.  She's here because she wants to help. . . . :

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  • Ca1Ripken
    Ca1Ripken Member Posts: 1,254
    edited June 2010

    Day - sorry about the infection, but YAY for BF coming back from duty!  :) 

    Sacphotomom - that is very frustrating - the whole out-of-network thing!  But, awesome for the bras!  Score!  I have an appt at wig place on Tuesday (uh, they couldn't squeeze me in today because they close at 1:00 on Fridays... but, I can come Tuesday at 3:00...) - but just to see if I like one better than the one I found at the first place (they are holding it for me)... but, the plus with the first place, is they are going to "throw" in a 2nd wig because my insurance allowance for a wig is quite high, and they can put the 2nd wig in as "accessories."  So... I'm leaning towards the 2 wigs unless I really, really like something better on Tuesday.... 

    Oh, and you are a better person than me with your parents... you did give me a lot to think about... I know she will need to come up when I have surgery... it will probably be easier to deal with her after surgery... but I know I couldn't do it through chemo!  I have little patience these days. 

    Summer - sooo true about this board!  We're doing the hair on Wednesday, and I went to Target today and went straight to the mini-bottle section and picked up a bottle of 100% aloe for my head, and am sooo glad that I didn't have to 'trial and error' to figure out what worked.  It has been like that through all of my chemo so far, and I am so grateful for having learned so much more on here than from any of the doctors or nurses! 

    Fotopet -Sending all the 'NO REACTION" vibes I can muster!!  I will be praying for you.  Awesome about your wrap!  I am hopefully going out on disability, but I'm wondering what kind of fight they are going to put up because on my forms, my onc didn't check any of the boxes for things that I "can't" do.... we'll see how it goes.  DH had an interview last week and is suppose to hear back early next week if he got the job... we REALLY need for him to get this job!  We cannot live on my disability alone. 

    Laura - oh wow!  That is exactly like my mom!  I love her to death, but it would be helpful if you helped out with my kids during a difficult time, and not competed for my attention!  When we go to visit my mom, she always wants to go out to eat with just me, and leave DH and kids at her house while we driving 90 minutes to eat crabs... Just can't do that to DH in a house that is not kid-proof and not ours!  I hope you can get your taxol too so your dates work out right.  I did not want to go out yet, but metioned before that if I don't go out before July 1, I will only get 3 months of coverage.  Sooo, mine will be close to be finished and ready to work at the end. 

    JennyB - LOL!  All these moms that drive us nuts!  Funny, because I loved having DH's mom come to visit before they moved here (now, they live a mile down the road)... she doesn't drive me nuts, but my mom does!  I couldn't imagine my mom being a mile away; 6 hours is a little far, but it's ok! 

    That's all I got!!  I'll just close it out with DIE, CANCER, DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • Ca1Ripken
    Ca1Ripken Member Posts: 1,254
    edited June 2010

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh, I almost forgot!  We won the house-cleaning lottery!!!  We get 1 cleaning a month for the next 4 months, and they are coming on Tuesday!!!!!!!  I love DH, but he does not 'clean' the house very well!!  Shhh, don't tell him I said that!!!!    If anyone hasn't done it, it's really easy... go to Cleaning for a Reason, and sign up around noon on Monday... get a note from your onc (I actually just had a letter from my onc nurse and it worked saying you are "undergoing treatment for cancer"), fax it, and then wait!  It's worth a shot!! 

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited June 2010

     I can relate to all your problems with your moms.  I haven't talked to my mom in over 13 years.  She is an alcholic and I tried for years to hang in there.  Once my parents divorced things got much worse. She had a hard time when I would be with my dad.  So after several falling outs and interference with my marriages I just decided it was better for me to not have contact with her, plus I didn't want her around my kids with her drinking.  I do miss her at times, but my life has been much easier without her.  We do live across the street from my in laws and it is wonderful.  Unfortunatly my mother in law (who is a saint) has ahlztimers and is getting really bad, so I am trying to do as much as I can for them.  My father in law has the physical issues, (hips, legs, etc)  My father lives in Flordia with my stepmom and only come home for a week at Christmas and a month in the summer.  I'm hoping to see them real soon.  I'm not sure when they will be up this summer.  I enjoy when they come up to visit.  My family isn't extremely close but I married into a wonderful family and my work and friends have really been a hugh help to me.   Sorry for the ranting about my family. 

    Leanna: Congrats on winning!!!!!  thanks for the info on the cleaning.  I could really use it.  First I have to put away all the stuff laying around on top of tables, chairs and sofas before they could come. 

    Good luck to everyone who are going for treatments next week.  I will pray for no reactions!  Remember to tell the nurse to take it slow!

    Good night to everyone and have a wonderful weekend!!!

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  • cleob
    cleob Member Posts: 20
    edited June 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    Nice to be back, had my 5th taxol yesterday having skipped the 3rd(though rescheduled) due to infection and low rbc. I had a dose of bactrim antibiotic and vancomycin infusion to kill the bacteria and would also hope the chemo also helped to zap those monsters. I am very strong with no major side effects yet apart from the hair gradually going off shortly before my fourth treatment. My daughter bought me a couple of wigs and i wore one yesterday, my onc and the nurses at the infusion center commended my new look and that lightened up my mood and made my day. I need to find time to shave what is left on my scalp so that i can pour water on it everyday.

    I had a good walk this morning,the weather in san francisco today is fantastic and from my window am taking in the bay view with the yachts and boats sailing. Enjoy the weekend and SE free for all of us due for treatment next week.

    LOVE YOU ALL.  

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  • Summer38
    Summer38 Member Posts: 253
    edited June 2010

    Leanna - Congrats on winning the cleaning lottery! And I hope the good luck rubs off on your husband for the job!

    On the mom topic - I can totally relate! I have never been very close with my mother - we are just two very different people. I have long felt that if something isn't for and/or about her then it really isn't a priority. Once I had my own children I realized what a warped way of thinking this is for a parent. So, needless to say things have been strained for some time but she lives in FL so I don't have to deal with it too often. She was diagnosed in November (at 59) with cancer in her small intestine. She had surgery and is almost done with chemo. She is doing very well with no complications. I was diagnosed at the end of February and when I called and told her she expressed concern but nothing crazy. Then I didn't hear from her till about 2 weeks after my surgery when she thought she should call and tell me her "discovery"..... are you ready???? She realized that God gave her cancer so that she could tell me what to expect!!! REALLY?????  Wow, so now her cancer - which is totally different, with different chemo & SE - is my fault? And somehow my cancer is now about her.

    Ok, sorry to vent! Redbarb - like you, I am blessed to have married into a wonderful family and to be surrounded by fabulous friends! Along with all of you Laughing

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited June 2010

    Summer38: Your mom sounds a lot like mine.  When I was getting married she told me my husband would do the same thing to me that my dad did to her.  Leave me for someone else.  The worse part was he actually did.  I realized the same thing you did once I had kids. That's what made it easier for me to break off contact so that she couldn't influence my kids like she did my nieces. 

    Has anyone out there had a rash from taxetere?  If so did you take benadryl or use a steroid to help with the itch.  I am getting the rash back from my last treatment.  I have it on my arms, back of my head and it is starting on my chest.  I'm hoping this won't be enough to make my ono switch for my last treatment.  I'm hoping to try to control the rash on my own so that I don't have to go see him again and have him tell me that's it.  I am a little more tired this go round, but it;s not horrible. 

    Thanks you everyone for being there for me.  It is so nice to be able to talk, cry and rant to people who truly understand what you are going through!  Cancer really does suck!!!!!!!!!

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  • Shrek4
    Shrek4 Member Posts: 1,822
    edited June 2010

    I don't know why I was sure I had posted Friday. Chemo brain, sigh. As I suspected, I didn't have the treatment, due to my tooth mild infection. It has been re-scheduled for next Friday. So, there's for some time we will have without me having all those SE and being all sick. Anyway, I also had a very nice talk with my onc. I was all ready and all weapons out lol, when I started telling him that I read all the studies presented at the last two ASCO conferences, and that I don't want to have ALND and radiation, just tamoxifen, considering the low Ki-67, no vascular invasion, high E/PR+ (98% and 96%) and the fact that, even if they do take into consideration the whole area of 4 cm's that had invasive tumors, the largest tumor was only 4 mm and it's only grade 2. He said that he was going to talk to me about it after I was going to finish my chemo, as he thought the same, and was going to suggest to me that the standard treatment would be "overkill" for me. I mentioned that my BS will be probably angry, and he said "I will support you in your decision as best as I can". I felt much better. 

    I hope everybody has a wonderful week-end. Hugs all

    Day

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited June 2010

    Day: Sorry to hear you didn't get your treatment, but at least you'll have an extra week of no side effects.  I'm glad to hear your ono agreed with you with what your next course of treatment will be.  good luck with the BC.  Just remember it is your body and do what you want!

    Have a great Sunday.

    Barb

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  • nanaof2
    nanaof2 Member Posts: 112
    edited June 2010

    Hi Everyone, sorry I have not posted for awhile.  I actually had a chance to babysit my newest grandson, while his mom went back to work.   So, by the time I got home, I was pretty tired. Once again, I don't know how you moms do it all.  He is only 8 weeks old so there was a lot of holding and rocking.  Tomorrow back to my real job.....

    Latte, sorry for the late post, I do have a port and it works beautifully, but it was put in before I started.  Hope you can get one, I think it makes it easier, but it is also what I am used to doing so, who knows?

    Jenny, I too take the Ativan at night, it helps me sleep.

    Paxton, love the pictures of you and the baby!

    Kim, Love that hubby shaved his head too, what a guy! I'm going to use the website you sent too, thanks! You and golfergirl are ahead of us.  Best wishes for a full and  speedy recovery.

    NJ Girl, I know this is late, but hope all is went well with your treatment..

    Sacphotomom, love the youtube video, thanks. I think you can tell, when blood levels are low, no one knows our bodies, like we do.

    Laura, sorry to hear about the sore throat, when is this ever enough already?  Will you need radiation too?

    Patricia, congrats to you for still walking, I get short of breath and lay on the couch.

    Day, I too got my Good Wishes scarf, and I love it.  What a wonderful organization.  It is so nice to know there are very good people in the world. Also, glad to hear you won't have to do more treatments after the chemo, other than the tamoxifen.

    Golfergirl, Things are winding down for you on the chemo., I am very happy for you.  You will have to let us know how the radiation goes. You will be in the fore front for most of us.

    Barb, sorry to hear about your feet and hands.  I haven't had that SE.  How did the treatment go?

    Mel, to be so close to finishing, I agree, try to stick with the regimen you started,  just listen to the dr.  too,...

    Jen, I get the hives too.   Rashes sporadically all over, stomach, legs, back, I have begun  to  use iodine.  It burns, but it dries it up quickly.

    Summer, a daughter graduating, high emotions!

    Leanna, thanks for the advice on the cleaning and wow; how lucky to win.

    Stay well everyone, have no SE this week and breeze through any of your treatments.

    Judy

    ...

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  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited June 2010

    I wrote a whole thing here and erased it all because it was just a bad attitude spouting its filth.  The gist is I'm having tx #3 on Tuesday and I'm totally DREADING it.  One day at a time and this too shall pass come hell or high waters.   

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  • KimLovesDachshunds
    KimLovesDachshunds Member Posts: 177
    edited June 2010
    Okay, my posts was misleading -- my hubby didn't shave HIS head -- he helped shave my head.  :)  I have been down due to a lady who had been very kind to me at the onco office the 1st time I went, -- her husband is in need of hospice instead of coming there for treatment and that bummed me out since last Thursday.  Also, trying to get the nerve up to wear the wig -- I wouldn't think I would be having as much trouble not having hair but I am.  UGH!  Paxton, I know what you mean about dreading the next chemo.  HANG ON -- yes, this will pass.  I don't have mine next chemo until Thursday week and I am already dreading it.  I seriously considered stopping mine before the last one because of the fear.  FEAR is a mean mean animal!  I need to read back on the posts to see what to do about heat rash on my head from wearing a scarf for several hours this weekend.  I am so silly I am already worrying about the radiation treatments -- I must like to worry.
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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited June 2010

    Kim: I am having a rash from the taxetere and also heat rash.  My ono office recommended using hydrocortizone cream (topical).  I don't know if that will work for you or not.  Once you wear your wig for the first time it makes it much easier to continue to wear.  I only wear my wig for special occasions.  I wear hats because I think they are much cooler.

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  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited June 2010

    Kimloves.....I'm getting worked up about starting Taxotere...  But  keep having nightmares about radiation......I dreamed that everything went OK but we went to the show and I was glowing...then I dreamt  that my skin melted off....its been horrible...I had to take a Valium after the skin melting one...I keep telling myself  it was the stupid movie we watch a couple of weeks ago....yes Fear is a  bi^%$....  I really hate taking the Valium   but it has helped me through some of the worst of this road... ...

     Last night was the first time I wore the wig (Brandy) and the new boobs out...I felt so fake... but at the same time felt really good to have my shirt fit correctly...I 'm thinking I can get used to the boobs ...just not right after Chemo...when my incisions are acting up... my sister-in-law said I looked like a soccer mom..ready to load up the kids in the minivan...I took that as a complement because that means I looked like I was young  enough to have children that need to be chauffeured.....lol

    OK so I was so looking forward to going to the river next weekend ..but now the boat died...geezes  it cant be fixed til after the 4th...OK  I will not be upset about this... I will not be upset about this ......I willnotbe upset about this...  Didn't work I'm up set...

    Went to see Toy Story   with my 26 and 19 yr old children.,..so much fun..but it made me cry..and had a scary part ..but just love the characters in the story..feel like old friends...it was still so cute.....

    nap time ..

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  • nanaof2
    nanaof2 Member Posts: 112
    edited June 2010

    Pax, good luck with your treatment tomorrow.  And remember we are all here for you,  feeling much the same as you, so spout whatever you need to.  We'll listen....

    Kim, most of us have had the hardest time with our hair.  I wear  a scarf most days, but did wear a wig today.  I find myself scratching my head and it moves the wig....not a good idea.

    Barb, I have a rash on my back,  stomach, arm and leg.   Wish this would  all just go away.  I spoke with a firend tonight and told her, I'm just so tired of not feeling well, nothing I can't  handle, but want to feel  like myself again.

    On a good note, tomorrow I am taking my new grandson (8 weeks old) to a photograher. We are getting our pictures taken  together- both bald heads.  I plan on making a scrapbook page for his album. Hopefully sometime in the future, I will get a chuckle  from it......

    Stay well, and if you feel like "bitchin'" go for it.

    Judy

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  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited June 2010

    Judy - It must be fun having a baby around, especially one that you can love and then give back and  go home.   I do love the smell of babies.  I am not sure if I will be getting radiation or not yet.  I have to go back to Sloane to get their opinion when I am done with chemo.  I am hoping I don't have to, I am really ready to be done with this. 

    Paxton - Good luck with your tx tomorrow, mine is Thursday and I am already dreading it.   I am really nervous how my body will react with Taxol.  

    Anyone that is looking for really good wraps that don't cause you to overheat or get rashes, check out buffwraps.com.   I read about the buff wraps on another discussion string a while back and have 6 of them now in all sorts of colors, they are my little fashion statement.  The are very comfortable and you can even get them with UV protection if you need them.   

    Sacphotomom - Sorry to hear about the boat.  That really sucks!

    Leanna: Congrats on winning the cleaning.  What a nice thing to win.

    I hope everyone has a good day tomorrow.

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  • KimLovesDachshunds
    KimLovesDachshunds Member Posts: 177
    edited June 2010

    Redbarb:  I wore the wig today to eat lunch with Hubby and survived.  Even though it breathes, it is hot so air conditioning areas are required for its use.  But you are right, it did get me a little past the "I shall look like a freak with this wig on!" And I agree, hats / scarfs will be my main mode of head cover! I'll check out the cream.  

    Sacophotomom:  I feel for you because it would be rough to do both the wig and the boobs -- silly me -- scared of the wig!  Are you planning reconstruction in the future to help in the one area?  Glad you went to a movie with your sons.  Sons can make us laugh and feel better.  I am on Prozax but see Psychiatrist on Wednesday morning to see if I need something stronger or a higher dosage as depression still tries to take a bite out of me -- especially early mornings -- not wanting to get up and get going.  TELL them to get you the taxotere SLOWLY is my word.

    Nanaof2:  Yes, the wigs can be scratchy and yes, they do move.  I am thinking in the store -- well, how do you move your wig or touch your hair to make it look like you are dealing with "normal head of hair" because I know I am not.  But then I said, "don't kid yourself it is a wig -- so just wear it and be done with it.  It isn't forever."  I think I would worry more of I pranced about as if this wig looks normal.  HA!  HA!  The grandson pictures will be awesome.  When you are at his wedding, you can brag about how you beat cancer with archaic types of treatment called chemo and radiation and (prayerfully) now at his grownup age, breast cancer is no longer in our world!  Innocent

    Paxton:   Much love and peace for your treatment on Tuesday and your body healing afterwards. We are sending you big big HUGS!!!Laughing

     Leanna:  How's the hair?  My husband had to remind me to put my scarf on the other night when we walked around the block.  I am so comfortable in the NEKKID head look at home that I forgot.  The wig -- wigs me out -- but I did it today and was okay.  I need to come up with a name for me with the wig - -to add humor to the craziness of our lives!  :) 

    Much love everyone!  Kim

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited June 2010

    Good luck to those of you having treatment this week.

    Kim and Sacphotomom: I have to laugh when I hear you talk about being worried about starting Taxetere, because that was my reaction to adriamycin(sp) when my onoc. mentioned about switching me for my last 2 treatments.  All in all taxetere has not been horrible for me.  The first 2 treatments were a breeze for me.  This last one only made me really tired on Sunday.  Today I feel back to normal.  Go in with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE and believe it will be a breeze. 

    I haven't even started thinking about the radiation that I need to do down the road.  Has anyone heard about a radiation that is 2 times a day for one week.  They put a tube in and leave it in for the week and then do the radiation through that?  Its' Braca? something.  When I was at Hershey Park a women started talking to me and said that's what she had.  No one had mentioned it to me and it sounded like something I might want to look into but I fugured I'd check with all of you first because I have learned so much from all of you and I'm sure someone has heard something about it.  I didn't know if it was for just certain types of tumors or what. 

    Hope everyone has a restful night.

    BArb

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  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited June 2010

    I dug out my wig to go get my drivers license renewed.  Boy is that a great picture.  Can't wait to have that for the next 4 years. 

    I had 33 tx of rads a few years ago.  Its like everything else, worrying about it before hand is worse.  The worst parts were having to go everyday and feeling kind of emotional at times.  I guess I don't remember being very nervous about it.  It made me tired but nothing like this stupid chemo.  I had to stop for a week mid way through because of burning but I didn't think it was a big deal.  The best advice I have is to use aquafor or whatever lotion they recommend several times a day religiously.  Dr's have said they couldn't even tell I had radiation.  I didn't have any rib pains or noticeable lasting effects that I can tell. 

    Also wanted to pass along I've been using that Acetyl L-Carnitine 500mg's three times a day with meals for the neuropathy from Taxol and feel its actually helping. 

    Well, big breath for tomorrow.

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  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited June 2010

    Thank you all your so wonderful when the stress of all this starts getting to me...sometime I feel like I don't want to talk to my DH about some thing I'm worried about because I don't want him to worry any more about me...

    Kimloves   yes I am planning reconstruction later ....when all this started I just wanted it out of me...sometimes I wish I had the PS put the spacers.... but I have to not second guess what I was thinking back then... its too much to think of..

    Funny what goes through our minds, one day you dont really think much of something...then the next its freaking you out....

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  • patricia48
    patricia48 Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2010

     Hi May Friends,

    I have been pretty quiet this week.   I have my 4th A/C this Thursday.  Good luck to all of us going for treatment this week. Laura - thanks for the tip about buffwraps.    sacphotomom - I know what you mean about the nightmares.  This week I dreamed the entire trunk of my body was made of a big block of styrofoam, and I could not feel myself. I was trying to get through doors, and into bed, but it was too big and bulky.   This is how I feel about my body now.  It seems like it is pretend, and nothing works, and I cannot relate to it.  The fake boob, the big scar, the bald head, the drugs I have to take just to make things work....  Sometimes I feel like a science fiction experiment!   I feel like my wig is a  big cat sitting on top my head! Kim and Judy - I too, do not know how to scratch my head without moving the whole thing around.  I think I will give my wig a cat name.  My first cat was Tuffy.  Hey, he was grey and black.  So Tuffy it is!   It is  a great wig, and very much like my own hair(salt and pepper), but it feels like a foreign object, and it is so very very hot!  Paxton -  my thought are with you today. It is so normal to dread our treatments!  I so admire that you have been through this before and that you  have courage to move forward again.  We are all very courageous women.  Don't forget that everyone!  In my two week cycle, I have about 3 day where I feel better, then I start the whole thing again.  After this one, I start Taxol, and of course, like the rest of you,  I dread the change.  I will have weekly low dose Taxol for 12 weeks.  The drive (70 miles round trip) for this and daily radiation will be a challenge.  Mostly  I worry most about the reactions to Taxol  that seem so extreme.   I guess I am now used to A/C and know what to expect.  This process seems to go on and on.   I have not every started thinking about radiation (35 for me).  This seems so unreal at times.  I will end on a positive note.  I am still walking daily, doing yoga, and enjoying my children and granddaughter.  She is crawling now and likes to climb into my drum table and scatter books everywhere!   Her favorite book is one about Monet.  I like to think she will enjoy art, like her Mimi.  My son says she just like the way it tastes!  Best wishes  and love to all.  Thanks for being here for me.   It is a lonely journey, and I am so glad we have each other.    

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  • Summer38
    Summer38 Member Posts: 253
    edited June 2010

    Hello Ladies,

    Hanging in there and getting mentally prepared for my 4th AC on Thursday. I'll be thinking of you Patricia while I'm in the chair - sending positive vibes your way. After this I will move on to 4 DD Taxol, every other week. I have no idea what to expect and I'm curious to see how mine differs from those of you getting Taxol weekly. I don't even want to think about radiation yet! Day by day...

    Sacphotomom, I'm so sorry about the boat! Try and find something else fun to lift your spirits this weekend. I love that you went and saw Toy Story with your grown sons! That's great!!! LauraM, good luck with your Taxol treatment. I hope everything goes smoothly and your SE's are minimal! I have buffs too and I love them! Nanaof2, I think the pics with your grandson are a great idea and what a wonderful memory to share with him in the future! Kim, I'm with you on being comfortable with a nekkid head! I catch myself leaving the house without something on my head all the time. I was soooo devastated to loose my hair and now I'm so comfortable without it - who would've thought?! Redbarb, I haven't heard of that type of radiation either but I would definitely be interested!

    I hope everyone has a great week and minimal SE! Smile

    PS - I'm getting soooo FAT!!! UGH

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  • fotopet
    fotopet Member Posts: 91
    edited June 2010

    Just got back from tx#3.  Great news - NO REACTION - toally uneventful treatment. 

    Now, if I had just known that it would go like that before last night, I might have been able to sleep.  Only slept about 3 hors last night because of nerves!

    SO, I am going to have some warm milk and oreas and go to bed right away. 

     Will catch up with you all later!

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  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited June 2010
    Fotopet   Wooo hoooo to no reactions.Laughing  But I'm jealous that you can taste oreos...
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