**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited September 2010

    Francine and Dayla!! Best of luck with the surgeries!! I read from time to time and think of you all.  I agree I hate the commercialism of BC, but it keeps it in the news, maybe are daughter will have a cure!!!

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

    Francine: Good luck on Wednesday and big cheers for the final.....the 9th surgery! Looking forward to hearing from you when it's all over.

    Dayla: I didn;t realize you were due for another surgery too...best wishes to you on Thursday and be sure to check in and let us know how you are doing

    Dawn: Wonderful to hear from you. Indeed the commercialism of the pink ribbon sucks but I am hopeful we will find the cure for the future generations.

    Reeney: So great to see you drop by. I understand your anger and frustration with the whole BC process. This is a great place to pop by and vent your fears , anger and changes in your life. I'm sure we have all feel those same feelings and some days we continue to feel it. The great thing about the sisterhood here is that we are all here for the ups and downs and unfortunately with BC we are all going to have the down days. Outsiders...meaning family and friends ...don't get it but we all do. The hot flashes, mood swings, and the fear of recurrence are the real things in our life now. Most days are getting better for me but occasionally I am angry too...I think that's natural. Yes we are grateful  but I don't think we can feel that way all the time. The good news is that most days are getting better and I don't feel guilty if I'm not grateful every single minute. Some days are just bad days...I accept it...and wake up the next day feeling a bit better and refocused. This is a big journey we're on and the people we engage with everyday at work, home etc just don't understand all the underlying issues we have. That's why we can come here with the good, the bad and the ugly and we receive total understanding and acceptance. Venting is good for the soul...hey...I think I just found my new Mantra!

    Hugs to all

    Beth P

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

    Beth..so well said.

    We are all good listeners and we care about each other. What could be better.

    Good night all.

    Francine

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2010

    Reeney....I hear ya!  Sometimes I think what I am left with was worse than the chemo!

    It suckes....BUT, you are here enjoying watching as your child grows!  That is a blessing.  I hate what I have to deal with, but I always say that I have been given a blessing to continue living.  Hang in there.  This too shall pass and our lives will be ours once again!

     Chris

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited September 2010

    Hi All,

    Reeney, as with everyone else, I know how you feel especially with this lymphedema.  But, again as with everyone else, when I think of the alternative, I can deal with it.  BethP really put it together well.

    Francine, I still have my wigs (I keep forgetting to call the American Cancer Society) and would be happy to send them to your friend in Costa Rica, so please post the mailing info when you can.  And good luck with your surgery tomorrow!!

    Have a great day all!

    Beth

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

    Francine & Dayla: I donated all of my scarves and hats but I still have a wig and some mastectomy bras and prosthesis and a swim form. . I would be happy to send them. Thanks to you and Dayla for letting us know.

    Hugs

    BethP

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

    Hi Ladies,

    Thanks for all the good wishes. I go into the hospital at 7am and should be home early afternoon.Hopefully this will be my last one.

    If you want to donate just send an PM to MRSROCKYTOP55 and she will give you the address of her sister in Minneapolis. I do hope to send my stuff out soon.

    I must say that all of you ladies say such great things to make each one feel better . How good to have you all for support.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2010

    Good luck again, Francine.  I will be thinkiing about you as I prepare to go to work in the morning!  By the time my coffee wears off, you will ready to go home!  I pray that everything goes as you wish and that is your last visit to the OR.

    Keep us posted...

    Chris

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited September 2010

    Hi All,

    Francine, ditto Chris's post.

    All, if anyone get's the address info for the donations, would you please send it to me.  I'm having a problem trying to send a PM to MRSROCKYTOP55.  I can't enter anything into the name field.  I don't know why but the field's extremely small and won't take anything I enter.  Anyway, if someone gets it, would you please pass it along?

    Have a great night!

    Beth

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  • NanaA
    NanaA Member Posts: 293
    edited September 2010

    Ladies, It has been a while since I have been on here, but my granddaughter has been put into the hospital this afternoon and is in ICU tonight on triple doses of IV antibiotics.  She is only 8 years old and has a sinus infection that may have gone into the bones and possibly into the brain.  They are doing an MRI in the morning and surgery at 1:00 to clean out the infection.  Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and a full recovery for Grace.  Annette

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited September 2010

    She'll definitely be in my prayers.

    Beth

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2010

    NanaA:  You've come to the right place....we are a praying machine here!  I pray for knowledge, healing, and strength.

    Keep us posted...

    Chris

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

    Nana: Prayers and positive thoughts are being sent for the successful recovery of your dear Grace.

    Francine: Best of luck today!

    BethR: I am waiting for the address. I PM'D her last night. If you go to the memeber list and enter her name, then click on her name and it will take you to her page. At the top right you can click on send member a private message then you don't need to write her name in the box. It will automatically enter it for you.

    Hugs

    BethP

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  • reeney77
    reeney77 Member Posts: 53
    edited September 2010

    Thank you all for the support. I think i just wish i had one the "insiders" in my real life too more often. My husband's cousin (also a survivor) came to visit - we talked for a half hour about the effects of the drugs and how we are feeling. it was a huge help just to have it validated. wish i could even explain some of this to my own family.

     i called my oncologist to ask what to take for joint pain. his nurse called me back and said motrin. i think i could have figured that out by myself.

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited September 2010

    Hi Reeney - I feel a bit the same without the added fertility issues. 2009 we were fighting for our lives going through active treatment.  2010 - we were adjusting to post treatment, all our new medications and those SE's, still fighting fatigue, chemo brain, growing our hair, etc.  Now in the last quarter of 10 and 2011 I am dedicating to trying to feel physically how I was before BC and it is soooo much work!!!  

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited September 2010

    Francine - I hope all went well with your surgery today!

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

    Francine: hope you are home resting and doing well

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited September 2010

    Francine, I hope your surgery went well! I too need to get my  stuff mailed to MN. I've got the box of stuff together finally- just needs to be taped up, addressed and mailed. I have to be at the surgery center at 5:45am- a lot earlier than anticipated! But that's good- I can't get delayed if I'm first in line right? I have about 90 minutes until I have to stop eating and drinking- though I should probably go to bed soon- either way the wakeup will be way earlier than I am ready for- so it doesn't really matter!

    Happy Autumn to everyone! Its my favorite season, I am so glad to finally see summer go away- I hate the heat!

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

    Dayla: Best wishes for tomorrow. Sending hugs and good vibes your way. Let us know how you are doing.

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2010

    Dayla and Francine....thinking about you today!  I hope you recover quickly!

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited September 2010

    Hi All,

    Dayla, Francine - Extending my wishes for a quick non-eventful recovery.

    Dayla - I'm with you.  I hate heat and love the Fall.  Bring it on!!!

    BethP - Thx. for the helpful hint.  I was able to send a PM and hope to hear something soon.

    All - Checkout the link Dianne put on FB, it's really nice!  Have a great day!

    Ttitle9c.gif - 24.8 K

    Beth

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

    Hi Ladies,

    Well I just wrote long note and lost it. The surgery was rougher than I expected. I am feeling a little better today but still have pain..They took fat from my thighs( liposuction) to fill in hollow parts of my breast. So now not only was my breast cut in two places but my thighs hurt.

    Will wrote to all later.

    Have you seen the video by Marissa Weiss. Here is a link to it.

    http://vimeo.com/15205499

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2010

    Francine...glad everything went well.  I could have saved you some pain....they could have sucked the fat from my thigh!!  Heal quickly...

    Chris

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

    Hi Ladies,

    Thks Chris, Tanasha, Beths, Patti, Dayla and others for your caring.

    I am feeling a llittle better but just had a scare. I had a chill and took my temp..it was 100.5. I called the PS.He was not concerned and told me to breathe deeply and move around.  

    Reeney you sounded a bit better. Have you ever thought about going to some kind of survivors group. Sometimes talking to live people makes one feel better.

    Dayla..How are you feeling.

    Did anyone see Marissa Weiss' video that I posted.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2010

    I did check out the video.  sounds like good things to come!

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited September 2010

    Surgery was bright and early  (well not bright as it was still dark!) at 5:45am. This was my first surgery in the different hospital system- somewhat the same- but overall a smaller surgery center, seems like my doc showed up a little late as I was all hooked up with IV for about an hour waiting before he finally showed up and we got started. I had general anesthia (sp) - it was about 7:30 I think when I finally went into the operating room, I was in post op at about 10:20 and into recovery about half an hour later where my dh was able to join me. They gave me percocet which I've never had before and I think that made me nauseous-tho it is possible it was post op - I felt a litte dizzy as well- ate some crackers, drank some water and Sprite. Finally they let me go around noon.

    I pulled back the bandage and peeked when I got home but there was another layer of bandage strips on the nipple and aerola so I can't really tell what they look at- but even through the gauze pads you can see I have a nipple! woo-hoo! I have felt prety self consious about the lack of symmetry there. I am anxious to see how much he was able to reduce the size of the skin island. he didn't think he'd be able to reduce to the size of the areola but in my quick peek it seems I only had one circle of strips- maybe he was able to -that would be fantastic.I have a follow up in 6 days, get to change the bandages and shower day after tomorrow.

    How are you doing Francine?

    I also checked out the video- what are the chances the founder of this site would get bc herself 10 years later?

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  • NanaA
    NanaA Member Posts: 293
    edited September 2010

    Ladies - My granddaughter Grace was in surgery for 3 hours.  1 1/2 with neurosurgeon and another 1 1/2 with ENT.  They removed infection between skull and brain and then cleaned out all sinus cavities.  She has burr hole in skull at hair line with 2 drains which they will remove tomorrow.  She woke up after only a few minutes in recovery and knew where she was.  They went ahead and took her off venilator and took tube out of throat which they thought might have to stay 24 hours.  She was sent to peds ICU.  Her doctors say this is so rare there has only been 25 reported cases since 2007.  Her hospital is a teaching hospital, so they had all intern and residents in the hospital come see her the night she was admitted and the morning before surgery since it was so rare they might never see it again. Today she is eating and even sat up in bed to draw with markers.  She wears out easily but doctors think she will go home in a week.  They are cultureing the infection they took out to make sure she is on the most effective antibiotics.  They found two different kinds of bacteria.  Thank you all for your concern and prayers.  Annette

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

    Francine: I didn't know they were taking stuff from your hip. Probably uncomfortable for you for the next few days and then you will start to feel better. Keep an eye on your temperature. I know you will be diligent but if you have any concerns...get checked no matter what the surgeon says. I saw the video. She seems so sweet and sincere and very optimistic. I'm sorry she has BC and it's ironic that she was the founder of BC.ORG. She is now in the trenches and she is so knowledgeable...she could really bring about great change. I am really sensing a shift in things and I really believe that we are going to see significant changes in the future for BC. Sometimes I feel like a guinea pig that is still in the early stages of finding the right treatments...chemo, tamoxifen etc...but more importantly... when I look at my daughter...I'm okay with being the guinea pig if it means finding a cure for the future generation.

    Dayla: Glad to hear that your surgery went well. Percocet...I'm not a fan of it...I don't seem to tolerate narcotics very well...they leave me feeling nauseous and a bit loopy but they do help with the pain. I hope you feel better this evening. The next few days may be a bit rough and then it's all uphill from there. And a new nipple is the prize...I don't have one yet so I look forward to more reporting from you.

    Beth R: Love the pic of the Autumn leaves...I miss the Maple trees at this time of year. I sent you a PM with the Costa Rica info. Diane's post was great...very inspiring

    Reeney: Thinking of you and hoping you are doing okay.

    Hugs

    BethP 

     Hugs to all

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited September 2010

    NanaA- so sorry to hear about your granddaughter's infection and surgery- she sounds like a real trooper! I'm sure she will be up running around in no time.

    I am doing better today- I'd never had percoset before- just hydrocodone in all my other surgeries. They were going to send me home with an rx for percoset and I said no thanks- I took a hydrocodone last night , but today I am in no pain at all. I'm just itchy where the tape and stuff is. I took the outer bandage off the port scar revision because it was pulling on my neck skin and very uncomfortable.  They put me in a compression bra , which I never had the first round- I was with a different doc, different hospital. I have mostly stopped wearing bras  (and am sending most of them to Costa Rica!) , but I am supposed to wear this one for 2 weeks. It digs into my upper stomach between my boobs. I have been tucking my tshirt between my bra and skin- a very sexy look! I usually wear camisoles and I might ask the PS if that is good enough when I see him next wed.

    I dozed off and on all afternoon and evening, but finally crashed about 9pm and slept 12 hours straight. I feel about 90% of my normal today. I can't wait to shower tomorrow!

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2010

    Dayla...glad to hear you are healing so well.  After surgery, a shower is the ultimate goal!!

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