Starting chemo Sept 05

Susan, Hopeful, Peg Congrats on finishing the AC! Had a bit more of a tough time this round, does seem to be cumulative. The anemia makes it tough to do much without getting short of breath. Went to sleep on Saturday and have only been up for 2-3 hr blocks since, although woke up feeling much better this am so think I'm through the worse. Had a mental low yesterday, am so grateful for my kids and friends who have been right by me through this, dropping by food and cheer when I had little interest in either. Peg, I'm inspired by you and getting out today to get some tulip and daffodil bulbs, in Oregon the daffodils will be opening about when I finish radiation. I will be with you through the taxol too. Haven't done any research on it, but I'm looking forward to moving through this journey.
Wow all the responses as to why me or why not me, such thoughtful and amazing women. Have been reading about the nature of suffering lately, have always been blessed with great physical health and my happiest most stress free moments have been while enjoying movement-skiing,dancing, hiking, any sport. When I get through this I know those moments will never be taken for granted.
Strength and blessings, you are all an inspiration
Lisa

Well I had made a previous posting but somehow can’t find it now – must have been in one of my dopey moods! I had read through all the postings and made comments to most of you – think I will start saving my replies in case this happens again.

Anyway one thing I remember doing is inviting Maxine and ?? to let me know how they got on with their treatment yesterday, as I did. I had a very good nurse and have only got the smallest of bruises on my hand – they decided to use the thrombosis arm and not the op arm, she talked through the whole process, took her time and made me feel quite relaxed. She also showed my hubby how to administer the clexane injection (blood thinning) which meant this morning I didn’t have to go to the hospital (yeah) – I gave my hubby a house point, he did very well – could do it myself cos I am feeling a bit of a wimp. So that makes me 3 down with Epirubicin, 1 more to go before moving onto CMF. Today I have taken all what they gave me, including the steroids, which you may remember I left off last time because I was worrying about this weight thing, I feel Okish albeit tired and hope tomorrow continues along the same vein (excuse the pun). I have to be OK for Saturday evening as we are going out for my son’s 21st birthday.

Liezel it was good to read your final posting – much more positive and that’s what we have to be, albeit it is good to know we can also have a moan here when we have those inevitable down days.

Peggy thanks I have visited the bald site – a great place to visit and I agree what you say about Michelle and her family, but your photo is also beautiful. What I liked most was that all the ‘bald’ ladies (and some men) had a smile. I have decided which photos I am going to post but unfortunately they are all too large so I have had to send off to the administrator of the site to reduce for me. I haven’t even shown my hubby my ‘head’ so whoever looks at my photos should feel honoured!! (I look awful). The photo alongside my name here is just after I lost all my weight 2 years ago, I felt pretty fit and I had my own hair!! My bald piccie is me with my tongue poking out – this is what I am saying to BC!

Thanks for your continued support and I wish you all well.

Sandra from the UK

Is anyone else giving themselves the Neulasta shots? I've done it after infusions (3), so let's see... 17 times so far (7 + 5 + 5) At first I cried and cried afterwards, but I've come to accept doing it a bit more now.

One more round of A+C on Halloween (Booooo!) and then 4 Taxols.

bugger, my pic didn't work. How do I add it my pic?

Leanne!

Friday now? Wow he has powered on. I have only just seen the site with the time.

On the Aussie girls site you told us Saturday. Good luck!

Ladies

we are only getting a four star rating, and I think we should be FIVE.

At the bottom of this page, you have the chance to rate this thread (if you haven't already done it).

Lets go for FIVE STAR TREATMENT!

Maxine

Sandra

Good to hear your chemo went well, I was thinking of you when I was having mine done.

Isn't it just great seeing what everyone looks like!

Maxine

Good luck with your MUGA peggy.
I think its the A that is hard on the heart.

Maxine

Maxine - Have added my vote to the "5 star" rating. The encouragement received from this thread has been wonderful. Although we have family and friends around us who love and support us, and medical teams who care for us and encourage us, we can still feel alone. Although they love and support us, we are still the one doing the hard yards.
The forum is a place where although we might feel alone, we can be alone together. I have learned so much from all the ladies here.

Peggy - Never heard of a MUGA before Peggy. Your heart is kind, hope the MUGA shows it is physically strong too.

Maxine - clever to get your pic up yourself. I called on the expertise of my 17 year old to get it on this forum as an avatar (a word I had never heard before!). I did my own on the bald pic site, but hadn't been clever enough to keep them together, so the 'transition phases' are across 2 or 3 pages now! Look back if you dare!

Sandra - you look beautiful to me! Good idea to put some family on. Susan did that, too (look back through the pages - all her beautiful hair) and Leanne has recently. I have one on the forum at the 'buzz cut' stage with my children. Hubby took the photo.
Amazing how you have coped so strongly with the blood thinning process. An extra burden on the hard road. Great that your husband can do it, though. Saves trips to the hospital every day.

Hope your son's 21st is a wonderful celebratory time, and that you feel well enough to be right in the midst of the celebrations.I have a nephew turning 21 in about 2 weeks.

I am speaking at a breast cancer awareness brunch on Saturday - interview format, then questions from the audience.

Cerridwen,

Glad that you had a gentle nurse during this round of chemo. I too had an IV for each infusion and they had to use a different vein each time. Many more treatments and I would have needed a port.

What chemo drugs are you getting now?

*susan*

Calico,

Yea on the CAT scan! I am so sorry that the treatments are so hard on you. Each time you go, you are showing just how strong you are. Hope your post-chemo week is going well.

*susan*

Maxine,

Thanks for the tip on the stars. I wondered how the ratings happened, and now I not only know, I have voted! This is a five-star thread if you ask me. Great group of women.

*susan*

Quote:

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I am speaking at a breast cancer awareness brunch on Saturday - interview format, then questions from the audience.

---

Michelle,

Wow! This is amazing that you are making such a difference already. How did you get chosen/volunteer for this opportunity? Do let us know how this goes. I am particularly interested in what questions your audience thinks need answering.

*susan*

I am now on Day 8 following my fourth A/C [which will be my last chemo.] It seems unfair that I am done with chemo while all of you continue with longer protocols. Don't get me wrong... I am thrilled that I am not required to have the Taxols which would be standard if I didn't use my fingers professionally. I am not rebounding as quickly with this round though. My stomach is still doing flips, I get tired [well, exhausted] quickly, and have to nap each day. I am still unable to sleep more than 7.5 hours per night, and still take Zanex and stool softeners to keep my body happy. Slowly, I am starting to work again, but my brain is still not as quick as it once was. I know I need to be patient, but it is hard to feel dumb and slow.



My next appointment is on November 1st with the Radiation Oncologist. I believe that we will map out my radiation protocol. Last I heard, we are looking at 35 sessions, with 5 boosts. I have also scheduled an appointment with a genetic councelor. For me the genetic component would affect whether or not I have a hysterectomy, and well, it would be for my daughter.



Today I received a call from a research nurse at the hospital. I have been offered a late Phase III research spot. The research is being coordinated by the National Institute of Health of Canada and is studying the difference in outcomes and side effects of Armidex and Aromasin. The study is multi-national, and includes a huge sampling of women. I am inclined to particate. It seems very low risk, includes free medication [I don't have rx insurance], and to be honest, gives back to the community that is treating me. The consent forms should arrive this weekend, and I will study them carefully.



In other news, I am throwing a huge party this Sunday to celebrate the end of chemo and to thank the large support system that has been so good to me and my husband. I am, as always, going overboard. I have a four course Italian feast planned. Of course, I may fall asleep while preparing the segundo course!



Enough words for one evening. Glad to have updates from so many here. I know that we are all getting more tired as we get further into the chemo treatments, and posting takes more and more effort.



Take care all,

*susan*

Marg,
You won't believe it, but I managed to get that book YESTERDAY !! It was only published in Aus May this year, and our little local Christian bookshop had it when I went in yesterday.
I love the chapter "Even your hairs are numbered" because boy, when they came out, there were too many for me to count!