Starting Chemo October 2009

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited July 2010

    HI ALL

    Yep ive been away as well, well not away away  just away from all the cancer stuff and getting back into life and its busy rut, i still havnt returned to work, only 2 half days ,so im smelling the roses and loving it im good and its good to hear you all are also

    PRINCESS JOJO

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  • CAtharsis
    CAtharsis Member Posts: 52
    edited July 2010

    Same for me. Enjoying life without treatments, side effects, stressful thoughts... All focus on my training and fund raising for the "ride to conquer cancer" next week. 250+km bike ride in 2 days.

    Last Thursday, onc approved my return to work!!! :) I see him in January after mammo and blood tests. As happy as I am... I feel also weird about my new condition of survivor.

    Hope everybody is doing great, enjoying summer and time with their loved ones.

    Hugs. Isabelle

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  • Hollycan
    Hollycan Member Posts: 33
    edited July 2010
    Hi Ladies, long time no speak/write. I have been meaning to post this information for months and finally have a free second to do it.   I wanted to tell you about a cancer assessment test that my Dad’s company does, and anybody in the Continental U.S. can take it.  I’ve taken 9 times throughout the various stages of my treatment and the number has gone down from what it was back when I was diagnosed in August of 09.  I am now in the normal range!  Yay!   It really is an amazing test that my Dad and his team have developed and I for one have found great comfort in being able to take it and know that my treatments are working without having to do more invasive surgeries or potentially hazardous MRI’s and such.  Just a little needle prick (tiny blood draw) and I’m done!  :-)  I plan to keep taking it about once every two months to monitor the number, then once I am convinced that it is going to stay there, I'll taper off to once every six months or so. If you want more information about it go to www.youtestyou.com.  Basically you click on the “Take The Test” section on the website, fill out the form, they mail a "kit" to you, you go to the nearest clinic and give the blood sample, then your results are mailed to you.  That’s it.  The whole process takes about 2 weeks. Also, in case you are interested, here is a link to my testimonial that I wrote on his website:  http://www.youtestyou.com/yty.php?fid=3008.  You are welcome to call me or write me if you want more information.  Just send me a private message and I'll get back to you. Hoping all of you are doing well! Warm regards, Holly 
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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited July 2010

    Hi everyone - if you're still checking in!  I haven't been here in quite a while, but I do think of you all often.  Life has been quite- interesting? - lately.  Cancer-wise, I'm doing well.  I was "de-ported" last week, and it was so simple and easy.  I don't relish the lovely scar showing in my new swimsuit, but oh well.  I am tentatively scheduled for my oophorectomy in August.  I still haven't gotten my period, so the doc is in no rush since there's no estrogen rushing around in my system yet.  I don't miss it!  I don't plan on any more kids (2 is enough, especially when my youngest is already 13), although 37 is kind of young to be in menopause, it's not entirely awful.  I still get the occasional hot flash, and the achy joints do bother me occasionally, but otherwise, not a problem.

    I'm on the Zometa trial as well, and this month had my last of the first 6 monthly infusions.  For the next 2 1/2 years, I receive the infusion every 3 months.  Anything I can do to reduce the chance of mets, I will do!  I'm trying to eat better, and have lost about 20 pounds since last summer.  I hope that continues!

    School is going great.  I did my first student teaching right after rads was finished, and I absolutely LOVED IT!  The kids were such a joy and gave me so much joy and laughter.  More student teaching coming up in the fall and in the spring.  I have less than a year to go to get my Master's!  (That's part of the reason for my absence - I've been crazy busy.  Still have classes during the summer!) 

    Relationship-wise, major problems.  I know how happy I was to get married, but I think I rushed into things because of my irrational fear of "dying alone".  Now that I'm not so afraid of dying anytime soon, I'm re-evaluating, and realizing that I need more out of my marriage.  We're in therapy right now, but I don't know if it will work out.  I don't have regrets, but I do not want to stay stuck in a destructive relationship.  I think when people are diagnosed with cancer and going through treatment, it is not the best time to make other huge life-changing decisions - the emotional upheaval associated with the cancer and all things cancer-related mean that you're not at your clearheaded best.  Well, I shouldn't generalize to everyone, but that's definitely the case for me!  Anyway, whatever happens, I will deal with it.

    I hope all of you, my sisters, are recovering well and looking forward to a healthier future!  

    Peace and blessings,

    Shelby 

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited July 2010

    Hi Shelby: we've all been through so much in the last year but especially you who threw marriage into the mix. I think it gave us all a lift when you posted your wedding photos here. It was a reminder to us that life can still go on, even with bc. Hoping the therapy helps.

    Congratulations on the weight loss. I lost about seven pounds during chemo but as soon as it was over started to pile weight on. Not sure what to blame - inactivity due to fatigue associated with radiation, bad food habits acquired during chemo where I sustained myself on stuff like mac and cheese and ice-cream, or Tamoxifen. Whatever it is, I really need to do something about it as I know it's not good to have all those extra pounds.

    Good on being deported too. I'm scheduled for that on Monday. I was completely under while the port was being installed but they tell me they will just use a local anesthetic for removal. Was it the same for you? Also did they make the incision on top of the original scar or elsewhere? 

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

    Shelby ~ glad to hear school is going good !  Sorry to hear of the marriage woes. I think cancer truly changes us and our outlook on a lot of things.  I know it has for me ~  I do hope the counseling helps and you can work things out if that is what you want.  Whatever you chose you need to be HAPPY. 

    Mary ~ I am with you on the weight gain...  I lost a few of the chemo pounds when I started on the tamoxifen.  The first month on tamox I had no appetite.  Wish that would of lasted a bit longer.  I tried going back to the gym and was doing good then hurt myself where my internal sutures are from my reconstruction so I haven't done anything............  NOT like I can't do cardio it was the weights that did me in.  Lazy with the summer and the kids home I guess.  I shall try to kick in September my goal now is to not GAIN anymore !!!!!!  I hope your deporting goes smoothly !

    :)

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited July 2010

    Mary, I was under when they put my port in too - they put it in at the same time of my second surgery to remove additional lymph nodes.  This time, they gave me conscious sedation (I think that's what it's called).  I felt no pain at all, and they say that most people come out with no memory of the procedure, but I remember the whole thing.  The docs, nurses and I were chatting throughout.  I could feel that he was putting in sutures, but no pain.  It was quite surreal, but not unpleasant.  I think I took Advil once later that day, then felt no pain after that.  They used the same incision as where they put the port in.

    Alicia, be careful with that exercising!  I've hurt myself too many times exercising (broke my rib TWO separate times), I believe it is bad for my health!  Haha :)

    Thanks for the positive thoughts, ladies.  

    Peace,

    Shelby 

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  • MeredithK02
    MeredithK02 Member Posts: 86
    edited July 2010

    Hi everyone,

    I've just started going back and reading through the posts.  I'm feeling great these days, and have even grown some hair back!  :-)  I had my delayed reconstruction June 17th: lat flaps and TEs.  The exchange to silicone will be done sometime in October.  I have another week off before I go back to work, so I've been lying around reading library books, which for me is a pretty great vacation!  I went back a week earlier than I thought I would after the mastectomy in September but was pretty tired, so this time I've told myself that the office won't fall apart if I'm not there to deal with paperwork for another week, and I'm going to enjoy my time off as much as I can!

    I had an oncology follow-up last week.  The doctor said that I've probably got a less than 10% chance of recurrence in the next two years, and that if I make it past that, my odds get even better.  I started Tamoxifen in March (a week before my 29th birthday, woo), so I've got five years to wait and see if Aunt Flo comes back for a visit.  It was weird to walk back into the oncology department feeling so healthy! 

     Even though I've been MIA, I think of all of you often!

    Meredith

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited July 2010

    Hi everyone!

    Good to hear all are doing ok.

    Shelby, sorry about the marriage woes.  Big hugs to you.

    I had my port put in just under local anesthetic...didn't feel a thing until the next day.  My son called from college that evening to check, and I told him I was surprised I'd felt no pain yet.  The removal should be even smoother......you'll be fine.

    I won't find out personally until September as I have to continue with my Herceptin.  Everyone take care! 

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  • feistybluegecko
    feistybluegecko Member Posts: 133
    edited July 2010

    HI everyone - i am back online, back home and back at work!  That's all the good news!  I head back to bangkok next month for the first 3 month check.

    Thanks for all your lovely messages - I have just been catching up.

    Now for the not so good news - I have just gone down with shingles.  GRRRRRR.  I thought it was another Tamoxifen side effect but no.  I am really upset and cross about it and very very grumpy.

    Hugs to you all

    Philippa

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited July 2010

    Glad you're back home, Philippa.  It feels so good to start getting back into a "normal" routine.  

    Shingles, how awful!  A good friend of mine got shingles, she said it was very painful.  I hope you recover soon! 

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited July 2010

    Hi Philippa: Glad to hear you are back home, but sorry to hear abou the shingles. Are you on medication for that?

    I hope you had a lovely time in Scotland.

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

    Hello to everyone...I have been away on my do-over vacation...two weeks of beach bumming it...much needed.  Shelby sending you big hugs.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited July 2010

    Hi Ms.MaryNY,

    Just curious how long it was before the pain in your "De PORT ed" chest went away. As you know mine was out on Monday. I believe it is starting to feel a smidge better. I am so nervous about sleeping on that side, but I can't sleep on the other side because of my Axillary Dissection. It still hurts on that side to sleep. I get scared I might pop the stitches on my Port side though. How are you doing with it?

    (((((BIG HUGS)))))

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited July 2010

    Hi Brenda: I remember having a lot of pain after the port was installed but not after removal. I was sore all around the area from the lidocaine injections but didn't really have any pain. Also the area felt very itchy and I was dying to wash it but was told not to wet it or remove the dressing for five days. I think everyone is different and I guess I was just lucky that I didn't have any pain. And no discomfort at night either. I did have to remind myself not to overdo it on my right side that week. The one thing I do remember is that I felt extremely tired all of that week. I did not expect that. Not sure if it was from the lidocaine or internal healing - the catheter attached to the port was really long! It must take a while for the veins to recover from having that in there. If you find it hard to sleep on your back, you might want to try resting you back against a pillow or two so that you are at a slight angle yet not fully on your side. Hope you feel better soon.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited July 2010

    Thanks Mary,

    I believe I am already beginning to heal! I slept much better last night and I didn't even take a pain pill last eve. I am going to go with out them today as well, unless the pain starts back. I too am itchy. My Dr. said not to shower for only two days, but to be careful for a week or so as not to scrub the area what so ever, but that i could shower after 48 hours. I am being very careful not to lift heavy objects or stretch the arm to far.

    Have a lovely weekend sister.

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited July 2010

    Brenda, glad you're feeling better.

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

    Anybody out there...it is so quiet on here..hope everyone is just plain old busy.

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited August 2010

    Hi Michele, yes it is quiet these days. Mostly been busy getting back to regular life.

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

    Ladies where are you?  It seems that this thread is slowing down.  I miss reading your posts.  I guess this is what happens as people start to feel better and get back into a normal life. 

    Sending big cancer free hugs to Jojo, Isabelle, Holly, Shelby, Mary, Alicia, Meredith, Hopbird, Philippa, Brenda, Juannelle, Valerie, Marie, Laura, and Jaclyn...And anyone else I missed.

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

    HI !!!  Michele ~ I hope it means this group is doing fabulous !

    HUGS,

    Alicia

    good bone scan, BRCA negative, on a 2 week tamoxifen break.  LIFE is good.   I am in Vermont with my family for a few days.  The crisp cool air is just beautiful.  I love it here.....

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited August 2010

    WELL HELOOOO THERE LADIES

    YEEEEES IVE BEEN VERY SLACK IM VERY REAR LY IN FRONT OF THE COMPUTER THESES DAYS OOPPS CAPLOCKS  sorry  ive been busy with family things and just smelling the roses, and my dog i just love him he is growing so big now and he is only 7 months old we go down the beach every day he has given me so much joy i wish i could swap dog for daughter she is driving me nuts at the moment . SHELBY hang in there girl marriages come with lots of rocks and a few mountains do lots of GOOD councilling  big hugs to you , mamo and ultra sound was all clear for me , but my body is so sore all over feels like arthritis but i think its side affects of Tamoxifen well keep well my b/c friends much love

    jojo

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited August 2010

    Hi all: we have all come such a long way in the last 10 months since we first started posting about our chemo fears and experiences. I can remember how terrified I was. Going through the experience with all of you made it much more doable. Sometimes I would mention a possible SE to the doctor and she would say it had nothing to do with chemo and then I'd come in here and find one or more of you women experiencing the same thing. In many ways this group provided more support than I was getting at the oncologist's office. Thank you all for being here!

    Alicia, so glad you went to Vermont with good news all around. I know the last few weeks must have been very stressful. 

    JoJo: your dog knows that you are better on the beach than in front of the keyboard. 

    Michele: Great hat!

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

    Jojo, my onc said that the aches are from lack of estrogen..sounds right to me.  My feet and ankles kill me first thing in the morning.

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited August 2010

    HI THERE

    Yeh Michele i think thats right to, my body was sore towards the end of chemo  i think it was taking its toll ,and now stiff and ache from tamoxi, wonder how lots of fish oil and that glicusomine ???? stuff will go im scared to take any thing just incase it interferes with tamox ive heard that  grape fruit interferes with it ,any one else heard that ?

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited August 2010

    Hi ladies,

    Mary and Michele, yes, I am also hoping that the decrease in postings is due to living life to the fullest!  I will always be grateful for the support of this group.

    JoJo, first of all, HELLO!!  I've missed your posts!  I haven't heard specifically about the interaction of grapefruit and tamox, but I do know that grapefruit does have an interaction with several medications.  Just ask the doc.

    Alicia, I am JEALOUS that you are in Vermont!  I used to spend summers babysitting in New Hampshire at Lake Winnepesaukee, and it was so beautiful, and the lobster...nothing like fresh lobster!

    Life has been...well, I guess interesting would be the right word.  i did finally file for divorce in July.  I am at peace with what happened with Frank.  My friend put it this way - sometimes you are only meant to hold hands with someone for a little while in your life.  You learn something from every experience, and don't regret your choices.  I realize that I made the decisions I made based on what I needed at the time, and now my needs and my tolerance for negativity and toxicity in my life have changed.  I need to do what is right for me and my girls.

    On a more positive note, school is going great.  The summer semester is over, and the fall semester starts next week.  I am really looking forward to it!  If it were a paying job, I'd be a student for the rest of my life!  I love school.  i guess that's why I'm going into teaching...

    To everyone - I hope your lives are going along smoothly and that cancer can take a backseat to more important aspects of living.  

    Love and hugs to all!

    ~Shelby 

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  • feistybluegecko
    feistybluegecko Member Posts: 133
    edited August 2010

    HI everyone and thanks for the lovely wishes.  I am also online less. 

    It is nearly a year since we were all approaching the horrible chemo days - we have come such a long (and tough) way since then.

    I am going for my first check up (3 monthly) this week and although I am dreading it, would rather be here than where we were a few months ago.

    Love and hugs

    P

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited August 2010

    OH SIT SHELBY

    Sorry to hear, i bet your disappointed your friend is right in what she said , and it takes a lot of guts to be in your  shoes , im proud of you and you sound like your proud of yourself  to which is most important, big hugs to you.

    P

    Good luck with your test im sure like all of ours so far it will be a beautiful NEGATIVE

    JOJO

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited August 2010

    JoJo, I love your new avatar!  You are beautiful.  Who is that cute little girl with you?

    Nice to hear from you, Phillippa.  I'm glad your life is taking more time than cancer.  I'm glad of that for all of us!

    ~Shelby 

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  • snuziq
    snuziq Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2010

    Ladies,

     It is great to see that people are doing well.   I know that my expirence is exactly as most have suspected and I have been away from the boards because I have been crazy busy with work and kid stuff.

     As with others, my hair came in a real mousey gray brown color and VERY curly.   It was wavy before, but it's kind of crazy now.  I was about to give up and dye it and it has now started warming up with some natural highlights, so there is hope for those that don't want to start the dye cycle.

    SHELBY -- I am sorry things did not work out with you.   I know how tough is divorce is in the middle of this mess (mine was final the first week of July).   You are correct in doing what is best for you and your girls.

     Everyone else... BIG HUGS!

    Suzi

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