March 2010 Chemo Start

Michelle: I also had bad bone pain (maybe muscle pain?) after chemo. I still have it. But it is getting better, only comes on in the late afternoon now. Radiation is easy so don't worry about that. My memory has improved so much since chemo ended! BTW, chemo ended Aug.16 for me. I sleep well with no bad dreams but it is probably because I take pain pills for the bone pain just before bed and they completely knock me out. I know you were on a "count down" with chemo but once you start radiation you can always count down those and then have a celebration. I only have 9 more to go and then....PARTY TIME!!!

To everyone having sleep problems, my oncologist gave me the green light on using Melatonin as a sleep aid.  Recent research is saying that it acts as a preventative in recurrence.  Anyhow, I take 1-3 3mg tablets when I have trouble sleeping and it can be taken on a regular basis.  You should take it 2 hours before sleep or at least one if you have difficulty getting to sleep.  It works wonders.

My daughter has used Melatonin for the past 3 years as recommended by her Neurologist.  She suffers from severe migraines as a result of a severe head injury and sleep is critical at keeping migraines at bay.  No long term implications as melatonin is produced in your body but as we age, our ability to produce it decreases.

So, try it and sleep well.  Heather

Michelle;  I've seen the video probably a dozen times and every time, it just gets better.  Makes you wonder however, WHO is working at St. Vincents!!!

My vote for favorite performer would be the older janitor...his dance at the end is great and I especially like his moves in the hallway with the other cleaning staff.

It's a great video with over 11 million hits...worth watching.

Heather

Thanks for sharing, I love the Pink Glove Dance!  It helped get me through bilateral mastectomy, thinking of all those people fighting for me.  Although it never fails to cheer me up, it never fails to make me cry.  Have a tissue handy!  {{hugs}}

p.s. someone asked about experiences with tamoxifen.  I've been on it since July and so far so good, just hot flashes and night sweats.  I find that sugar and caffeine trigger flashes, hadn't correlated it with alcohol but had a glass of wine with dinner last night and woke up wringing wet at 3 am.  Coincidence?

Hello All

Just checking in with everyone and to let you all know - We have the first snow fall of the year and it is actually accumulating. 

Met with my Radiologist yesterday and he says to me, "I never want to see you again in this office." One Dr down One to go, although my Oncologist won't release me anytime soon.  No biggie, I feel great, I still get tired and forgetful sometimes but I'll deal with it, did find out yesterday that 1 of the side effects of the effexor is forgetfulness - Hum let's see have a little forgetfulness or have horrible Power Surges ?  I also notice that if I have a drink it starts the surges - but also I will deal - I can't give up everything I love and if it's in moderation then I should be ok.

I wish everyone a happy weekend and think of me up north here with our Nor'easter and snow!

Thoughts, prayers, Hugs and Kisses to ALL! - Stacey

I had not, but thanks for the heads up - I found it - awesome!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTyIhMLp3FA

"You Won't Dance Alone"

ps I cried too :-)

Just checking in...had a great couple of days in Ithaca visiting our daughter at Cornell.  The weather report was calling for rain for Saturday but thankfully, the sun shone all day.  We climbed Buttermilk Falls...was exhausting but pushed myself and the view from the top was oh so rewarding. We then headed to the Cornell Plantations for another long walk.  It was so wonderful to spend time with Marissa and my DH.

One week of rads down...28 treatments to go.

Hope all is well with everyone.  Fondly, Heather

Well, I finally had my liver biopsy yesterday.  There was a very weird feeling when he did it.  I was expecting no pain and that was not the case.  But it wasn't too bad and was only as he did the biopsy.  He didn't get enough of a sample the first time, so he had to repeat it.  I should have my results tomorrow.  Keep your fingers crossed it's nothing. 

My baby turned into a teenager last Friday.  No more baby for me.  Now all 3 are officially teenagers!  Joe had a party with about 7 friends.  5 boys and 2 girls, it was very cute.  I was glad I was feeling good to have it for him. 

Friday night at my 2 older children's HS, they are having a pink out for BC awareness.  During halftime, Jaclyn, my daughter, is cutting her hair for locks for love.  She has never had short hair.  She is very excited.  I get to go on the field with her.  They are having all survivors stand behind the girls as they get their hair cut. 

My port comes out on Monday and I meet with the radiologist for my set-up on Wed.  Things are finally moving along. 

Lisa - enjoy your swim. 

Michelle

hi ladies

sorry not checked in for a while, just getting on with thing i suppose

hope everyone is doing well cos i feel bloody fantastic

were all still here in Oct to tell the tail whoop whoo

Charley, if you figure out how to retire at full salary could you perhaps share the secret with your March sisters - we won't tell anyone - LOL

Hi all - doing well here too.  I see my onc on Nov 9 for 4-month checkup.  He doesn't test for tumor markers and I don't anticipate any scans so it should be quick.  Well, except for possibly waiting for him.  The appt is at the end of the day and he's one of those docs that takes time with patients, so he can be late.  I'll bring a paperback as usual. 

Anyone reading anything particularly good?  Winter is coming and I'll need some books.

My hair is to the point where I'm gonna need some goop to control it.  I have bed head all day long!  And OMG the cowlicks!!  What are you guys using on your hair these days?

Congratulations on the milestones and {{hugs}} to all.

Hi Ladies, 

  Well it's GREAT News on my liver biopsy!!  He said it looks very good, no inflamation, no scarring.  It's actually very healthy.   At this point he has no explanation for me regarding the ups and down of the enzymes.  He is having a few more specialized testing done on the sample (he didn't tellme for what) but he doesn't think anything will come of it.  He is going to call my onc to get a complete list of the surgical medications I had during the BM.  It was right after surgery that this began.  It may be one of the drugs.  Thank Goodness it's not the auto-immunione disease that was a possibility.  They can control it by supressing the immune system, which is not good for the cancer.  Very glad I do not have to worry about it. 

Badger-- I have a great book for you to read.  The Innocent by Harlan Coben

Have a good week end everyone!!

Michelle  

Michelle, that is such great news on your liver biopsy, what a relief for you and very good you've got a good detective on the case. The liver is both robust and delicate -if it is getting hurt by a virus, or drugs or the immune sytsem, its cell walls breakdown and up goes the AST, ALT, but if the damaging influence is removed, it repairs really quickly.  I read alot during chemo, much of which I can't remember very well LOL. I was given a book called The Deadly Dinner Party, and other medical detective stories which was quite fun- about Medical sleuthing. All the Millenium books are an easy rollicking read if not a bit creepy in a Scandinavian kind of way.  

And Frosty, I say celebrate, celbrate your strength girl, and how far you've come since then.  

xxx

Michelle - So glad to hear about the liver biopsy!  Why do these things happen that cause us such unnecessary worry!!

And Frosty - I saw my hairdresser the other day too ... only bumped into her at a restraurant!  Told her that I'd be seeing her in a few months.  Not ready for even a trim or anything yet ... but I'm getting there!

Hugs, Charley

Michelle;  That is GREAT news!!! Congratulations.  Heather