Motivation

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  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited July 2010

    The dizziness is just one of the many SE's that show their ugly face. There is definitely too many to list. My weight loss and lost of appetite is also one that showed up after 18 months. I tried Femara but went back to Arimidex. Just go slow when getting up and moving. But it will happen just about anytime. Just beware of it. Work nights again.
  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2010

    kmmd, thanks for explaining!  I sure hope you find some relief, sounds like they are diligent in trying to help you.

    Harley, good grief girl, that's some bad luck you've had!  I tripped outside of the courthouse on a curb last year while reporting for jury duty.  I was so embarrassed AND it hurt so bad, I still have a scar on my knee from that one!  I was on Tamox at the time, but I chalked it up to being klutzy.  Maybe you better focus on one thing at a time from now on LOL!!  Ever since chemo days I am more of a klutz than I used to be.  But who knows, there are so many side effects from treatment, I wonder if we'll ever know what's causing what.

    I'm bummed, my clinical trial drug Avastin is being pulled as treatment for bc.  BUT I am remaining optimistic that it did me some good!

    Had lots of socializing mixed in my day yesterday.  Met friends for lunch yesterday and then to my DD's house after work, we even went for a 45 minute walk and at one point did some step up lunges, we were along a trail in between a golf course and a river, very pretty.  Today my DD met me for lunch!  Does wonders for the soul I tell ya!! 

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited July 2010

    Kari,  I think the problem now with many of those agents like avastin is they help a subset of people and it is hard in clinical trials the way they are set up to figure out that subset.  So, you very well could be in the group of women who benefited. Remember the original trials for herceptin, it took them awhile to figure out only FISH + or H2N 3+ patients were the ones who benefited.  There isn't a marker to look for like that in avastin.  I'm with you, we'll remain optimistic!!!!

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2010

    Kari

    Thanks!  LOL  I agree with you. 

    Well, last year, I fell twice, once in the gravel parking lot at work, and another time on the pavement of a neighbor's driveway...  then I was taking Tamoxifen.  I guess I'm just a klutz!!  LOL   I also drove by that said neighbor's house, and knocked over his mailbox...  that is why I fell... I was coming back from ringing his doorbell, to let him know that I just knocked over his mailbox.

    Anywhooo....   I hope things improve....   I'm getting worried....  at least, about the dizziness...


    Harley

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2010

    Is it Friday yet???

    I walked 3 miles this morning.  Way too hot to do more.  Thinking of a swim after dinner.  I've  been dealing with a very painful rib for the past week -- something that happened after my mammo, u/s & MRI.   I swear it feels like a cracked rib.  Of course I spent a few days convinced it was something horrible, but since it definitely happened the day after those tests, I've decided that it had to be the mammo (way too much pressure a couple of times) or the MRI (I'd felt a sharp pain when I first got into place on it) or just having them all so close together somehow damaged or irritated a rib.  Anyway, haven't felt like working out much with it.

    Harley and Kari...  about falling...  I had a couple of bad ones pre-bc (one like yours Kari, but it was outside Trader Joe's -- tripped on the curb and went flying towards the doorway. Not pretty.)  Anyway, I concluded that my big, black sunglasses might be contributing to the problem -- like the wide rim was obscuring some of my lower field of vision.  If you wear sunglasses, check to see if you're fully seeing curbs, steps, cracks, etc. with them on, or if, like mine, that area was being partially blocked out by the frame.     

    Hope you feel better soon, Harley.

    And I sure hope & pray that Avastin worked for you, Kari!  Did you have it in combination with other things?      Deanna

  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited July 2010

    I came home to a cold spell!  It was only 100 instead of 110.  What a wonderful trip.  I met my other sister in Seattle and saw 3 schools and then DD and I flew to Spokane and saw Gonzaga.  Creighton is still our favorite. I did work out everyday (at 6 am no less) in the hotel.  Hopefully my hard work kept the lbs from accumulating.

    Nite everyone!

    diane

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2010

    Kari,

    Sorry they are stopping the trials with Avastin.  Hope it helped you, too.  Maybe you were one of the ones that it helped.

    Diane,

    WOW!  You are having a REAL COLD SNAP!!   100 degrees!!  :D

    Thanks everyone, for all the feel better thoughts.

    Deanna, I also fell TWICE, prior to dx...  in the Petsmart.  I decided it was because they have these pallets sitting around, in the floor, and it looks like a warehouse at that end of the store...  the floor and the pallet blended together, they were the same color.   But TWICE???   in a space of a couple of months....

    It was too hot to go outside today, so I exercised on the dreaded Elliptical today.....   :(

    Harley

  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2010

    I just read my clinical trial thread and a couple of the 'new' gals spoke with their oncs about the Avastin trial and it was found not helpful to metastatic bc but still being studied for early bc.  So many questions but yes still remaining optimistic.

    Deanna, I had 4 dose dense A/C and 12 weekly Taxol.  The Avastin is used in conjunction with the Taxol and then when I was almost done with Taxol the study unblinded me and it turned out I was getting the real Avastin and kept going after regular chemo finished to complete a year of Avastin every 3 weeks. A lot of side effects with Avastin, with the heart, bleeding, etc.  It all takes its toll on us that's for sure.  

    I bet your pain was aggravated from the tests.  My friend Mary had a very sore spot on her rib, it scared the pants off her (well not literally, haha), they re-bone scanned her and xrayed her, and determined rads had done damage to the bone, and it was trying to heal.  So I'm thinking the same for you. hugs

    Diane, glad you had a wonderful trip to Seattle and visiting different places.  How fun!!!  and how committed you are to exercise, kudos to the 6am workouts!! 

    Harley, you may want to mention the dizziness to your doc? or have you? I can't remember if you said.  I thought maybe its a balance thing? hmmm we have to figure this out!

    I was pretty tired last night, so did some flexibility and walked, but only 20 minutes.  Felt good though, and slept good!! 

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2010

    Kari, hopefully the Avastin has done a lot of good with no lingering SEs.  Who ever knew that a bc dx could be so frustrating at times due to so many ?????'s surrounding so many areas of tx -- Aggressive enough? Too aggressive?  Correct dx going into it?  Will something like this come up re. the med, or will something new come out like the new info on ALND's?  (Don't those of us who have had an ALND love to now hear that it's probably not necessary for many women.  Grrrrrrr.....)  But it sounds like you have a wonderful onc, Kari, and that you've had excellent care, for which you can be very thankful.

    6:00 a.m. workouts in a hotel, Diane?  Wow, that's motivation!  I'm impressed!

    Harley, I agree with Kari on getting the dizziness issue thoroughly checked out.  You really need to figure out what's causing it, so that you can figure out how to resolve it.  Are you eating well?  (I'm thinking maybe erratic blood sugar levels?) 

    2.6 miles for me this a.m., and I'm literally dripping sweat.  Thank goodness we're headed to Big Bear tomorrow, where it should be quite a few degrees cooler, especially at night.     Deanna

       

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2010

    Thanks for your concern, Kari and Deanna.  The patient info on the Femara says that it causes dizziness, and I am thinking maybe with the HEAT being so intense these past few days, maybe it has made things even worse.

    Hope everyone is keeping cool.

    Harley 

  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited July 2010

    Harley hang in there! The HEAT is so bad. We just stay inside with the blinds drawn all day.

    Going to Zumba this morning! I am excited.  Between myself being out of town and the instructor being away, it has been 3 weeks since I've Zumba'd.  Can't wait!

    Enjoy your weekend everyone!

    diane

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2010

    Thanks, Diane.  

    Have fun at Zumba!

    Have a great weekend, everybody!   I have to work tomorrow...  :(

    Harley

  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2010

    Thinking of everyone today as they walk, work, zumba, etc!!  

    Walked a quick 30 min yesterday and then DH came home and we had the yummiest turkey tacos and danced some too after dinner!!  Today is DH's pre-op for his shoulder surgery, he had his EKG and his blood draw.  He was going on about the lab taking so many vials of blood and how he felt anxious during it.  I said 'did you think about me and all my bc girlies?' and he said yeah he did and then he got through it ok.

    Cheers to Friday!! 

  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited July 2010

    It has been a hectic week for me. Went to the beach 3 times and the center only 2. But i did walk the Dd twice a day. Once in the AM and then after I got home from work at 11:30 PM. I have found setting my alarm and getting up in the morning versus sleeping till whenever is working out. Still not hungry but making sure I eat my fruit. Neighbor drops off a watermelon a week fresh from the field. Also am trying to drink boost mixed with fruit and yogurt and or ice cream. Haven't lost any more weight so I must be doing something right. My sugar level and glucose are fine. Had a friend stay with me for a few days. She and I had a good time. My son comes down this Thursday for a tournament so I will get to see him. I also go on days this week. Things are looking up! Everyone have a great weekend. I'm working but off on Monday.

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2010

    Hi Everyone! Just dropping by...

    My eldest turned 21 yesterday and we are at a music and arts festival, Very fun!!! Walking, walking, walking (slowly!) but it's so sunny and hot, trying not to overdo! 

  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited July 2010

    Back from the Wyoming bike ride. I rode all but 40 miles of the 370!! (That day I had a migraine and couldn't tolerate the winds.) It was a blast, and I am really glad that I challenged myself like that. However, I'm not so sure I'll do it again next year. Maybe in Italy, and only do 45 miles a day...

    Now, time to lace up the hiking boots and get to my favorite trails. I cannot believe I haven't hiked yet this summer. Gotta head out while the wildflowers are still blooming!

    Anne

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2010

    Anne

    So glad your ride went well!  Sorry about the migraine, though.  I get them, too.

    Have fun hiking!

    Harley

  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited July 2010

    I got up early this morning so I could walk before it gets too hot.  Too late! It is still dark and it is already 95 degrees. That stinks!!! As soon as the sun comes out, I'll try.  Hopefully is can get it done before the "real" heat. 

    Happy Monday everyone!

    diane

  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited July 2010

    Walked the Dd but it was only 85. The heat index is in the 90's though. No beach today because of rip currents. I best stay in and clean. NOOOOOO! I'll go to the center later this PM.

  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2010

    Hi all you adventurous and exercising cuties!!

    Diane, 3 siblings of my DH were in Vegas last week for Deaf Nation Expo.  They all kept commenting how HOT it was!! LOL  

    My lunch break is in 15 minutes and my tennies are in the car ready and waiting!!

    Stay cool and enjoy whatever you do today!!  Keep Moving!! 

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2010

    Hi, girls ~ Back to the heat after a weekend in Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead area.  I couldn't believe there was a 40 degree difference in late afternoon temps -- 117 here and 77 up there.  It was so hard to come back to the heat.

    Just walked 3 miles, which is my absolute limit when it's already 93.  I'm already suffering from cabin fever.

    Spring, I saw on FB that you're headed to that corporate meeting in NY today, which happens to be not too far from where I grew up.  So did you find new clothes?   Hope you're feeling great about yourself!  I'm sure you look amazing with all the exercise you've stuck with this past year.

    Anne ~ Sorry the migraine cut into your riding, but it sounds like you did great!  I thought of you when we hit some bike shops in Big Bear, where I took a closer look at bike seats and wondered how your tush had held up!          Deanna

  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited July 2010

    Deanna, I think I only posted about my "saddle sore" on Facebook...But the first day I got a nice raw spot on the tenderest of tissues...neosporin and ice the first night helped, as did lots of chamois cream the following days. I had to keep shifting my position to put pressure on my sitz bones, not my crotch! But given the amount of time in the saddle, I held up well!

    Not ready to get back on the bike yet. Did my Pilates lesson yesterday and am wonderfully sore today, in all the muscles that I didn't use while on the bike. It's nice that my trainer is also a cyclist, and knew exactly what type of workout to give me, to re-balance everything.

    Anne

  • dianenv
    dianenv Member Posts: 241
    edited July 2010

    I think it is too hot to be motivated.  I so hate July and the electric bills! I di walk first thing this morning, not much but did.  Went to lunch, one of my favorite things, and quilted the afternoon away.  Looking forward to the 90's again.

    diane

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited July 2010

    Just stopping in to say hi, I am traveling on business and no exercise hardly at ALL!!!   wahhhhh. Will have to get back at it once home again...

  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 1,729
    edited July 2010

    I've been doing good.  Did some aerobics after work yesterday!!  Been doing something everyday.  Taking today off!  Been busy at work lately, which is a good thing!  

  • Ainm
    Ainm Member Posts: 781
    edited July 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    Just wanted to say hello and thank you!!!  It was exactly one year ago today that I first logged on to BC.org and it was shortly after that I found this thread.  At the time I had just finished treatment (mx, chemo & rads) and I was pretty desperate.  I was 234 lbs, just starting Tamoxifen and Lyrica and so nervous that I would put on even more weight.  Now one year later I am 148 lbs (lost 86 lbs) and I could never have done it without the support I received from the 'regulars' on this thread (and a little bit of help from some lovely ladies on one or two other threads).  Your support and advice and encouragement has been invaluable to me. 

    Of course I still worry about BC and I worry that I may have to cope with it again at some stage in the future but I guess the important thing is that I am learning to 'live' with it!!

    Since my tx I have had to come to terms with the closure of the business my husband and I started 20 years ago (and the financial implication of this)  and become a full time carer for my mother who has dementia and is steadily dis-improving although her actually physical health is excellent.  It hasn't been easy and there were many days I did not feel like exercising and would have loved to become an Olympian comfort eater!!  But this was all put in perspective when my good friend lost her son tragically and a lovely lady I met who was dx and went through tx at the same time as me lost her battle 3 weeks ago.

    But I really do think that I could not have kept going with the weight loss and the exercise without your support - so thank you, all of you, so very much - I wish we could party together to celebrate!!

    I'll try and pop in to say hello every now and then - but these days ,by the time I get finished with my mum, I don't have much time to do anything else other than housework.  Well of course I do my Wii Fit everyday still!!!

  • sobx
    sobx Member Posts: 435
    edited July 2010

    ainm - you look fantastic!! Remember a year ago you didn't think you could lose anything? We should all meet somewhere and party together and bond our sister relationships.

  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited July 2010

    ainm, what an inspiration you are!!! Life sounds tough but it's all about perspective. You have overcome an amazing hurdle. Rock on, sister!

    Anne

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited July 2010

    Ainm, we've been missing you.  Congratulations, you look wonderful.  Definite inspiration!

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited August 2010

    Ainm,

    WOW!  You have done a great job of keeping up the exercise, even when you have had lots going on...  it must be difficult taking care of your Mother, and watching her deteriorate before your eyes.  Sorry, too, to hear about your friend. 

    HUGS to you,  

    Harley

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