Starting Chemo Aug 09

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited March 2011

    I took pictures and tried to upload my new curly hair - it still won't take.  I can get it to load and send everywhere but here - so frustrating.

    Tomorrow I meet with my onc to discuss my next step and go over the 3 notebook pages of questions..........that should be fun.

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited March 2011

    I hope you get your questions answered. Will be thinking of you tomorrow.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Aw what a bummer about the pic Jenn -- it's so strange that you can't even make it your avatar. 

    Let us know how the onc visit goes.

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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited March 2011

    Good Luck, Jenn.  I will be thinking about you and hoping that you get a plan of action.

    Navy

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited March 2011

    I hope it went well today, Jenn!

    Patty

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Ditto!

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited March 2011

    I spoke to the onc yesterday.  It looks like I will be doing radiation for pain management on my spine first, then start chemo.  He feels that we need to get the pain under control.

    On the upside -the weather this weekend is suppose to be beautiful this weekend and I get to babysit my godchild, while his parents and sibling ride in the St. Patricks Day parade.  DH is going to help with the lifting, etc - we're going to take him to the zoo.  I love the zoo and am looking forward to going with my godchild.

    So........has anyone seen any good movies lately?

    DD and MIL went to see Unknown and weren't too impressed.  Anyone else see the movie?

    How is everyone doing? 

    Gill/Lilah - aren't y'all going to Las Vegas? 

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    I'm hoping to go to Vegas Jenn -- have to wait till we are closer to the date to know for sure.  It should be fun!  They have arranged a group rate at the Mirage, a very nice hotel. 

    Glad to hear the update Jenn.  Glad you will get something for the pain first.  What SEs will this chemo involve?  Please say no more hair loss for you!

    I saw Unknown and it was enjoyable if formulaic.  We saw The Adjustment Bureau last weekend and it was REALLY great!

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited March 2011

    Ahhh - it wasn't Unknown they went to see, it was Adjustment Bureau.  I love Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, which is why I want to see it, and then Liam Neesom for Unknown.  Glad to hear you liked both - I think I'll go see them both.

    It looks like I'll start off with Xeloda, which is a pill form of chemo.  There is no hair loss, the more common SE's with Xeloda seem to be hand and foot syndrome (which looks and sounds painful), diarrehea and mouth sores.  But........my onc said that he feels it's the most tolerable to start with, especially because I want to work.  If Xeloda doesn't work, I'm either going to go with one of the Taxane or Plantin chemos.  I really don't want to loose my hair again......I do love the curls and get so many complitments on the curls - my hairdresser has done a wonderful job of teaching me what to do and what products to use.

    Tonight I am going to dinner with a friend of mine from elementary school, we went through high school together, but had quit hanging in the same groups by middle school.  I am so excited to see her, were were so close when we were young and she sounds so much like me in personality when we talk.  I'll let you know what happens.

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited March 2011

    Jenn - Good to hear you are starting with a "gentle" chemo first (is there such a thing?).  I hope you escape the SE's and it would so disheartening to lose your hair, so I'm glad that stays.  I hope you have a great dinner with your old chum.

    Lilah - You really must make it to Vegas!   It would be so fun to meet you in person.

    Patty

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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited March 2011

    Hi Gals,   I have been traveling up a storm!  I just returned today from Tampa.  DH and I went for 4 days and got tickets to see The Chicago Blackhawks play the Tampa lightning.  It was fun and the weather was pretty good.  We ate good food and had some cocktails within walking distance of our hotel.  A little vacation from Cancer.  But now that I am home, reality has returned.  It is time for my 6 mo Pet scan and I will be having my first colonoscopy. all in the next 3 weeks. YIPPEE!!  But another trip to Florida is already on the books for April to see Navyson, DIL and that Chubby little grandson of mine.

    Jenn glad to hear that you have a plan of action.  As always, sending positive thoughts your way.

    Hello to everyone.  It is so nice to see our August Amazons still posting and supporting each other.

    Navy

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Patty -- I fully expect to go to Vegas, but don't want to hang others up so am just going to plan on a room alone.  They have me listed as another hotel but I plan to stay at Mirage.

    Jenn -- so glad you are starting with an easier drug first (and praying it works!) -- also really glad you'll keep working.  For my money, I thought Adjustment Bureau was just really well done and while I also liked Unknown it was not anywhere near as original as Adjustment Bureau (which, interestingly, is based on a Philip K. Dick story -- which always seem to provide interesting fodder for movies).

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited March 2011

    NavyMom - Wow!!! It sounds like you've been having a lot of fun........and getting some good navybaby time in.  Ugh on the tests, but as for the colonscopy, the prep is the worst part, they give you the good drugs for the test.  My friend said for two days before the test she goes on a liquid diet, just so that the prep is easier - thought I'd forward on that info.  I can't do liquid diet for two days, but she doesn' eat much anyway so I guess it's easier for her.

    Patty - I must have forgotten or didn't see the post that you were going to Vegas - oh, what fun you will have.

    Lilah - Thanks for the info, I think I'll see Adjustment Bureau.

    Today we're babysitting my godchild, he's napping right now.  When he wakes up we're going to head to the zoo or park.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Navymom -- colonoscopy itself is nothing... it's the prep (as Jenn said) that is tough going!  Especially once the liquid diet takes over (stay very very near to a toilet at all times :)  Once I finished my exam we went out for Indian Food -- best meal I ever had!  The prep, by the way, was required by my doctor... I think two days before sounds right and I had to consume a liquid diet of clear liquids and some sort of powdered diuretic (or something -- how quickly the brain blocks the details) that is like dietary draino.

    Jenn -- let me know what you think of Adjustment Bureau!

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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited March 2011

    Lilah---hehehe to your post "tough going"  That made me laugh.  Reminded me of the commercial for TP that has the slogan "enjoy the go"   Geez, the things that we find entertaining. 

    And Patty, youwill have a great time in Vegas.  When is the Ta-Ta reunion going to be?

    Enjoy your day, Jenn.  Its been ages since I have been to the Zoo.   Enjoy the little fella.

    Navy

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    LOL Navy

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited March 2011

    We didn't make it to the zoo.  As we got closer, about a block from the parking area we noticed a LOT of cars and people, the parking lot had gone into their overflow area, which is an open field, the streets were packed.  DH and I couldn't figure out what was going on, we figured it would be a slow day because of the St. Patrick's Day parades.  Apparently not, it was Soul Fest.  We decided that it would be too busy to enjoy, I didn't want to walk a mile just to get to the entrance and keep up with a 21 month old baby in those crowds.  We went to lunch, then took him to a park near our house.  We walked with the him in the wagon while he talked to the ducks, chickens, birds and dogs in the park - we must have walked for over an hour - the day was beautiful.  

    Hope everyone is having a good Monday.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    I'm sure the baby LOVED the day!  Sounds like plenty of animals at that park.  Good call, Jenn.  Nothing worse than crowds.

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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited March 2011

    @ Navy...Tampa is my neck of the woods, I'm glad you had a good visit!

    Yea for Vegas...I have never been but hear it's fun!

    @ Jenn....you know I am glad you are getting the ball rolling and yea for hair saving chemo, I hear ya on not wanting to lose it again if at all possible. Next time one of your daughters is home have them upload your pic, I swear I am pretty good on the computer but not as good as my kids!

    On Thursday I'm going to my dreaded 6 month check-up at the Onc. I guess to check my tumor markers and just see how I am. I will not have another mammo until May.

    As you know I don't ever get to the movies, I used to blame this on having 3 kids but now that they are all moved out and I have all the time in the world and still don't go, I guess it's my fault..lol!

    The house is still on the market, the end on this month will be 1 year...arrgghh!

    I think I figured out my lightheadness is hormone related since it seems to have a pattern of revolving around my periods. I wish the chemo could have killed my period for good but no such luck!

    I hope everyone has a great week! {{HUGS}}} D

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited March 2011

    Hi everyone. I'm in Dallas for a couple of days (DH has a conference). Though warmer than Idaho it is not as warm as I expected! Didn't bring a coat and it is windy and cool. I went for a walk this morning and my ears were tingling by the time I got back. I am right downtown and walked over to the Dallas Museum of Modern Art only to discover it is closed on Mondays. I'll try tomorrow. On Wednesday we fly to the Bay area to see parents in law who are not doing so well.

    Jenn glad to see tx plans are taking shape.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Aw Gill -- that's a bummer about the museum being closed!  But hopefully it was a nice walk.  Sorry the parents in law are not doing so well...

    Donna -- wow a year on the market has got to totally suck; here's hoping this spring housing market is an improvement for you!

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited March 2011

    Donna - I had a feeling it was still on the market, but afraid to ask Yell.  The picture thing is so frustrating.......I have no problems moving them from file to file, to facebook, emailing, cropping, etc, but can't get them here.  Good suggestion, I'll ask my youngest next time she's home - she really good with computers.

    Gill - sorry to hear that your inlaws aren't doing so well, I'm sure they'll be glad to see you.  My Aunt lives in Dallas and that was where we went during Katrina.  I really enjoyed being there, but it was so much bigger than what I'm used to.  Hopefully by now you've found something open and fun to do.

    Lilah - I hate crowds at the zoo.  We have a big zoo and they do a lot of festivals in the zoo, some are fun, but not with little ones - at least not for me.  Especially when I'm babysitting - could you imagine if I lost a child that wasn't mine?????

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    OMG Jenn I wouldn't want to even go there.

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited March 2011

    Gill - Boy do I understand the disappointment of museums being closed.  The last time I was in Paris we saved the d'Orsay for the last day of our trip...and it was closed!  I could have cried.  Stay warm!

    Jenn - I'm with Lilah...can't imagine losing a child, let alone someone else's.   I'm so glad you are out and about and enjoying life.

    Donna - So sorry about the slow sale of the house.   Very frustrating, I'm sure.   Not least because you have to keep the closets tidy for all the lookers.  Have you buried St. Joseph yet?  My mother swears by him and we're not even Catholic!  Thinking positive thoughts for your test results.

    Lilah - Loved your description of the colonoscopy prep.  My OB/GYN is insisting I get one before I see her the next time.   That means I have two years.   But if I hit my deductible this year, I'm gettin' it...for free.  Oh boy!

    NavyMom - Good luck on your tests.  Keep those vacation thoughts in mind!

    Just found out that a growth that suddenly appeared on my ankle (and grew at an alarming rate) is a squamous cell carcinoma.  Definitely not the worst kind of skin cancer and it is not related to BC.  It is very unlikely to spread after they cut and burn it off.   More scars!  I'm looking downright battle worn these days.

    Patty 

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Ugh Patty -- sorry about the squamous cell carcinoma.  Glad it is easily dealt with.  Scars make us beautiful :)  Wear them with pride as the survivor you are.

    And definitely go for the colonoscopy sooner if you meet your deductible.  They are expensive!  And I have to say I found it quite a relief to know I was a-ok.

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited March 2011

    Thanks for the encouragement, Lilah.   I did the little mail-in "poo" test and that was fine.  But you're right, it would be good to get the all clear for 10 years.  And free to boot!  Glad your's was a-ok.

    Patty

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  • weety
    weety Member Posts: 1,163
    edited March 2011

    Just popping in to say hello again! 

    Jenn, I'm so glad you will be able to start with xeloda.  I think I told you that a friend of mine is doing that for liver mets, and she is having almost no side effects except for peeling hands.  (And she just went for her scans and they think her spots are GONE!!!)

    Patty, I did my colonscopy last year and I agree with Lilah, it was extremely relieving to know that I didn't have to worry about that cancer for a few years!  (They only gave me the clear for 5 years, though.  I think it's because of our stupid cancer history.) 

    I've got my next onc appt in April.  I'm not sure what to expect because my old onc retired.  I did have one appt with him, but it was more of an introductory appt.  My old onc ran my tumor markers, but my new one doesn't do them.  He did tell me that if I really wanted them he would do them "every once in a while", but I would have to remind him.  Do all of you have your tumor markers done?  Jenn, is that how they found your recuurence?  Mine tend to run on the high end of normal, so it's always very stressful for me, but definately a relief if they aren't elevated.

    Have a fun Friday! 

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited March 2011

    Patty ugh to the squamous carcinoma - glad to know that it can be taken care fairly easy, but any procedure is just not fun.  Did it just seem to pop up or slowly creep up?

    Weety - My onc didn't run tumor markers, he found it because of some back pain I complained about - he was doing what we both thought would be peace of mind test....I guess we didn't get that did we?  Now he is adding tumor markers to my blood work.  

    I started radiation on my spine yesterday and I don't know if it's the radiation or the nerve being pressed against moved, but the sharp, grabbing pain seems to have dulled some.  If it's the radiation, then it's helping already.  I'll know more by next week,

    Tomorrow is Earth Day at the zoo, my youngest is in town this weekend so she, my oldest and I are going to the zoo.  We're heading over there early and should be there when the gates open. The three of us haven't been to the zoo together in a long time - I'm looking forward to the fun we'll have.  And......Earth Fest is always fun.

    Hope everyone is having a good day!!! 

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited March 2011

    Jenn - It is great to hear that the radiation seems to helping with the pain so quickly.  I hope the improvement continues!   Also glad to hear you are finally getting to the Zoo. (The squamous cell devil developed very rapidly. Went from nothing to a 1/2" growth sticking out in like two months!)

    Weety - My Onc doesn't do routine tumor marker tests or scans.  He said the tumor marker tests can be un-reliable and as for the scans he said "we fish where we think there are fish" i.e.  they do the tests only if you have symptoms.  Not sure how I feel about that. 

    Patty 

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Weety -- I too was only give a 5 year break (I have to go do another colonoscopy in 2015).  I think it's not just BC but HER2+ as well... even 5 years is fine with me :)  I think, actually, that now that I have done it and know what it is/what to expect, it will be a piece of cake in 5 years!

    Jenn -- you've got zoo on the brain!  I hope you made it there this time :)  I too am delighted to hear that you are feeling relief so quickly.

    Re: tumor markers... if you mean that CA 27-29 (I think that's the number but correct me if I'm wrong) test... my onc does it every time she takes my blood, which is now every time I see her... am currently on an "every 4 months" schedule which eventually will become every 6 months and then once a year, etc.  I too have heard they are not the most reliable.  I actually did not know my onc used it till I asked.  I have no idea what my numbers have been but I too have heard it's not the most reliable test.  My onc primarily focuses on pain.  If you have a pain that doesn't go away, that's what they want to hear about. 

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