anyone starting chemo in Nov 2005

I have seen the word Warrior used several times on messages, but I don't feel like much of a warrior right now. I feel like I am missing out on the Christmas spirit this year. I have missed many holiday events because of the fear of catching something. How do you weigh the risk factors? I'm scheduled for AC #2 on the 19th - I'm so afraid of getting sick beforehand. Also just started with mouth sores. My teeth ache! I read previous posts and will give the Mylanta a try. (And will call Dr. to get a mouthwash.)
I am so grateful to have found this site and for everyone's input. Thanks.

Good morning ladies. Glad to see we’re all moving a long (sometimes crawling along) this journey. I’m touched by everyone’s courage. Thanks for sharing. We’re all such tough “cookies” and cancer will NOT crumble us. Many Hugs!!!!

This week has been challenging…received chemo #2 on Friday, Mom had to be rushed to the hospital and is still in the coronary care unit, and Dad is just worried sick…says my diagnosis, Moms illness, and the fact that we’ve had several Hurricanes this years is all too much! I’m praying for my whole family.

On a more positive note…This time I got a much lower dosage of 5-FU pushed instead of through IV bag. It seems to have worked better and with very little side effects. I learned that the painful condition I experienced last time is called “Hand and Foot Syndrome”. The doc thinks it was caused by FU. Since I was more alert this time, I was able to notice the symptoms immediately. He prescribed B6 vitamin and running cold water through my arms and legs as soon as felt an episode coming…so far so good. God bless the little remedies.

Kim- Glad to hear about your good news. Just one more prove that cancer picked the wrong person to mess with.

Anna – You got through it…Yeah!!!! You faced the fear and did it anyway. You are a courageous lady. Hugs!!!

Debbie- I can relate to the hunger. Yesterday, I found myself rushing to the nearest Wendy’s for Cheese Burger and fries. It was soooo tasty. I guess taste buds are back. Who cares about the calories!

LyzM – Menopause… Hope your body hears you and decides to follow your wishes. I’m 42 but was told because of the ER/PR +, menopause would be best for me. If chemo does not push menopause than they will pump me up with hormones after all the chemo and radiation treatments. Oh well…I’ll just wait and see what my body decides to do. One thing for sure, I won’t miss those cramps!

Lat56 – I too do not see myself as a warrior. The word warrior just reminds me of anger, hurt, and the dark side of human spirit. It may be because I always choose love to get me through the hard times. I like to think of this journey as a tough challenge and one day I’ll understand its purpose in my life. For now, I make a daily effort to concentrate on feeling what I need to feel in order to get through and take better care of myself and my family. I choose courage. I pray every day before I go to bed and read affirmations to feed my spirit. Since being diagnosed I have a greater appreciation for human kind. .

Well, I think this is all for now. Many hugs!!!!! Have a great day.

Hi all, I had my third weekly A/C treatment yesterday. This week's challenge: pain at the base of my esophagus whenever I swallow food! I have been able to get mashed potatoes down with a drink of water with every bite, Slim-Fast shakes with a bit of ice cream in it, and water.

Anyone experienced this type of symptom? I have tried Nexium and Prilosec with no change. There is no heartburn with it. Just tried Milk of Magnesia (I could use the laxative properties too) but eccchhhh!!

I get a bad headache the day of treatment and this time it lasted all the way until this morning. I find that only Darvocet kicks it well enough.

Not much on Christmas spirit this year. I'll keep trying. Getting ready to put my tree up soon.

I have had some trouble with mood swings....I do have a lot of pressure and stress living with Bipolar husband and two teenage kids with similar issues. It seems I can cry at the drop of a hat lately! I am taking antidepressants but still get the crying jags. Oh well, I just let it out!

No hair loss yet, but I'm watching for it.

Take care all!

Laura

Odalys, you inspire me with your positive spirit. I have always believed since I was diagnosed that going through this is a test of my strength and that when my treatment is over I will be a much stronger, kinder and better human being. I know that it is tough and that it sucks but I have met so many wonderful people that I otherwise would not have met. I am also strongly Est/PR positive so I have been praying that I will go into menopause. Oncologist said he would put me on Tomoxifen for approximately 2 1/2 years and then switch to an arimatose inhibitor. That doesn't sound so bad since that would give me 7 1/2 years of protection instead of the 5 years of arimidex if I was already in menopause. I am feeling pretty good today (Day #3 AC #2) except for a little quesiness and some cramps from the period. All I seem to want to eat is mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. I have surprisingly been in the holiday spirit. In fact it has made things a little easier for me by keeping busy with decorating and wrapping presents. I have always loved Christmas and this year is even more special because I seem to be appreciating all the little things that I just took for granted. Keep up the positive thoughts Ladies.

Odalys, thank-you so much for all of your kind words & support. Sorry to hear about your Mom, hope everything goes well. Prayers for your family.
I am off to the doctor's today to have the mouth sores checked out. The 2 rinses they prescibed have helped in some areas but I am pretty sure that I am also having a bout with shingles. I've experienced them before in my mouth and this feels like the same. Ouch! My #2 A/C treatment is scheduled for Monday so I hope this will clear up by then.
There is so much to learn when a person has breast cancer! Hearing everyone's stories & experiences helps so much.
Best wishes to all.

Welcome, Mary Beth!

Odalys, I'm sorry to hear about your mom and hope she feels better soon. Is she still in the hospital?

Laura, I get terrible heartburn around day 3 or 4 after A/C, something I never had before chemo. It lasts an hour or so and then I wake up with a sore throat the next few days. I haven't taken anything for it yet.

Also Laura, would you mind telling us the story behind your cat's headgear? I absolutely love the picture and chuckle each time I see it. I almost need you to post more often so I can see your picture every day!

Lat 56, I hear shingles can be pretty painful. I hope it's not too hard on you!

Debbie, I agree with what you say about the love. I am carrying my emotions very near the surface these days and the slightest thing can make me cry big time. But whenever I come here I feel a real sense of caring and love. I wish I could make all of us whole. I don't think anyone should have to go through this. I'm so thankful I don't feel alone.

Today is my daughter's birthday and she is so far away. She's coming to visit next week and I can't wait. She is a very anxious person and I know I will be doing some protecting; we have always been very close. I was a single parent throughout most of her childhood. I'm not sure how to keep my fears from her without being secretive.

Hugs to all of you, Anna

Hey Lana~ I have a port. It wasn't used for about two weeks after the first chemo treatment because I went into emergency for the seizure. They did the blood work from my vein in my arm.

Last week went in for my regular blood work and they couldn't get blood out of it. Finally did after some IV drips to clear the line.

I haven't been doing so good after the seizure, going in today for a MRI on the brain. Can't get my strength back....just doesn't seem like a Holiday season for me. Can't get out of the house.

My hair is falling out by the handfuls, only had one treatment so far. I ordered a turban and nightcap last night. They claim it will take two weeks for delivery. I think all my hair will be gone in about 5 days at this rate.

Will try and post a little more often, my next treatment is December 20th if all goes well with the MRI.

Kaye

Lana ~ forgot to add my port is in my upper right chest, near the collarbone. I am still trying to get use to it and it was put in, in November, I am still bruised, but they claim it is normal.

When I was in the hospital no one would touch the port and it took them many sticks to get some blood out of my arm. I think that the Adriamycin hardens your veins, that is what I was told. The port is much easier.

Kaye

Hi Ladies. It's a good day today. Good news...moms doing much better. Cardiac cath went well and she is off to get a defibrillator today. Doc was very optimistic in spike of her advanced cardiac disease. Thanks for all the prayers. Hugs to all!!!

Mary Beth – Welcome. Glad to see you found us. You’ll find an incredible amount of love and kindness among this group. BTW- I have a lot of respect for nurses. I have worked in health information administration for many years. In my opinion…nurses are true heroes. As an ICU nurse, I’m sure you are an extremely compassionate person. I’m so glad you have joined this board. Keep coming back and let us help you along your journey.

Lana – I have a port on my right chest (above the right breast). It’s convenient for treatment and I forget it’s there (don’t feel it much). I don’t like that is too deep and every time I go in it takes several needle sticks before they can find it. Overall, not bad.

Kaye – I’m so sorry to hear you are having such a hard time. Please hang in there. Sometimes things get really tuff before they get better. You’re in my prayers. I’m sending much love and many hugs your way!!!!

LizM – I too have always loved Christmas. It’s the one time of the year when I feel my spirit is recharged. This year… I sent out my Christmas cards right after Thanksgiving while I was in bed recuperating from 1st Chemo treatment. I figured I needed to tap into the spirit of Christmas early. Tree and decorations are up. Shopping is a little behind but it does not seem to matter as much. Husband and I are making sure Steven (our seven year old) enjoys Santa Claus and all its magic. So... I put on my wig, make-up and holiday clothes and keep going. Some day Steven will know that this is my very special gift to him. Ooops… better quit while I’m ahead or the tears won’t stop.

Laura- I hope the pain in the esophagus is gone today. What does the doctor say?

Debbie – I was wondering about the eyebrows (and eyelashes too). I’m so glad you brought it up. Mine are still there, doc said they may not fall. We will see. It sadness me to think they will be gone. Meantime, I keep telling myself it’s only temporary and if it bothers me too much there is always eyebrow power and pencil. It will just be another step in morning make-up routine. Besides, models do it all the time. Why should we be any different? Good looks are important to me (especially at age 42) and I refuse to let cancer take that away! I heard the eyebrows and eyelashes do come back faster than a full head of hair. That’s good. Who would have thought, all these years plucking away at them? It’ funny the things we take for granted.

Oops…got to run. I’m at work. Talk with you all later. Hugs!!!!

Anna, the cat is not really mine - a pic off the web. It is called "Limecat." However, we did do this to our own cat with a fruit called a Pumelo. It looks like a large, green grapefruit but it has a really thick, soft rind. Thus, a helmet is born! It was hilarious!

My esophagus swallowing pain is gone today. I'm wondering if it was from these sour candies I had been sucking on for several days??! I don't know. I also took Milk of Magnesia and that might have helped. Who knows.

Laura

Twinkle, nice to see you. So many of you are having such nasty weather, it must be hard to avoid the cold and colds. I still have stubble too and little bumps (they are going away thankfully). Eyebrows/lashes still in tact and I dread the day. Maybe it won't happen. They do have wonderful stencils to reshape eyebrows. Twinkle, if you haven't attended a Lood Good/Feel Good session, it is free and a fun way to learn lots of techniques. It is offered by the ACS and you get a wonderful kit of goodies donated by the cosmetic industry (and addresses for a lot of local resources). They also demonstrate tricks with scarfs, hats, and wigs.

Lana, my port is low in my chest (almost opposite of lumpectomy site.) They tried to put it higher but it didn't work out. Its worked out great--covered by my bra, seatbelt doesn't bother, well protected from bumps, etc. Was sore for several weeks, but does heal and the nurses can give you a presciption for a lydacane cream that you put on 45-60 minutes before treatment and you won't feel anything. My nurse who does the blood test through the port the day before treatment leaves the needle in--pads and covers with tegaderm bandage and that way they don't have to poke me twice.

Kaye, hand in there. Odalys, good news on your mom. Mary Beth, welcome to our elite group.

Anyone else getting lots of calls from friends because of newspaper articles from SA conference. One acquaintance called yesterday and started with "I'm going to make your Christmas and change your life" and went on to tell me I didn't need chemo anymore. That what the article said (to her). I appreciate their good wishes and also recognize that a few months ago I didn't know how complex bc is, so its OK. I am anxious to talk to the onc next week about the merits of reducing number of Herceptin doses, but totally trust her judgment. Looking forward to our on-line conference on 12/21 also.

I've been insprired by your message (and sleeplessness) to go address Christmas cards. Stay well and warm.

Nancy

Good morning all. More meds to take due to the shingles in my mouth. The pain can be intense at times. I am scheduled for A/C #2 on Monday-I hope this won't interfere with that. I'll be taking Lysine and an antiviral med to ward off any more break-outs of shingles.
I don't have a port as of now. Is that unusual? I didn't have any problems with my first treatment IV
Odalys - glad to hear good news regarding your mom.
Kim - The "fog" has caused me to have post it notes all over the house - problem is finding the right note at the right time. Meds are the most worrisome issue - I have a list of meds and I TRY to remember to chart them when I take them. Good to have my husband around to help with this.
My hair is almost all gone. I am so hoping my eyebrows and especially my eye lashes will hang on.
I personally didn't hear about the SA conference but a few friends were anxious to share what they had heard. I am overwhelmed with all of the "information" that I have received since my diagnosis.
Take care everyone.

Hi ladies. I'm not feeling very perky today. It's day 8 of 2nd treatment and my body feels "bruised", similiar pain I felt with the first treatment. I thought the lowered dose of FU would take care of it...not! Decided to stay in bed, take pain killers and place ice packs on the body parts that hurt. Ice seems to numb the pain. I hope the pain does not get worse.

Hugs to all!!

Debbie~ I have had trouble getting use to this port also. I was always one who would pass out when seeing a needle. Then I finally got use to that after the mastectomy, so only have right arm to use for blood draws. Got so use to needle picks that it didn't bother me anymore. Now I have the port, there is this weird feeling I get every time they put the needle in.

Guess you just have to get use to it.

Thank you, Kim!

Anna