August 2011 chemo, anyone w/ me?!

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  • rochelleanderson
    rochelleanderson Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2011

    I've heard good things about the look good feel better classes actually, don't know too much about them so am poking around the website today. Have looked on youtube for scarf tying too... I've tried a couple of times, it's not as easy as it looks I guess! Practice makes perfect?

    Thinking of you ladies after surgery and some restful sleep soon! Quick healing to you all x 

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    VtEllen.... Did I tell you I cringe when I see your diagnosis date sometimes? Because that was my BMX date, so the thought that someone else was being diagnosed as I was laying there having my breasts removed makes me so angry.....my birthday wishes for the rest of my life is going to be for a cure!!!!

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    I go to a Look good class on Monday. I wonder if I have to bring my own scarf? Haven't bought any yet....

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  • musicalmom
    musicalmom Member Posts: 78
    edited August 2011

    Madismommy love the idea of the pink extension. In the happiest place on earth you received the news...I was in school getting ready to teach a 2nd grade music class. I have no idea how I managed to get through it.



    Sleep is so important. I am glad now 3 weeks out from Lump. I don't have as much pain, swelling and constant sensations running through my breast...or maybe I am ignoring the sensations???

    It makes sleeping a tad easier but still have a lot of body aches and pains. Ugh!

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  • MargieC
    MargieC Member Posts: 394
    edited August 2011

    Madismommy719

    The look good feel better class I went to the lady who taught it brought scrafs, hats and wigs.

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  • Ybrooker1
    Ybrooker1 Member Posts: 41
    edited August 2011

    Hello Ladies....haven't posted in a few days. I am 5 days out from 1st AC and am not doing too badly. You guys are awesome!!!! I thank God that He heard all of your prayers for minimal SEs ;-) Extreme fatigue days 2 & 3. Feeling little more like self yesterday evening, even went for a 20- minute walk with daughter and that felt great! Although, during earlier part of day, had a Dr. Appt and felt as if my legs were a ton lead I was having the hardest time carrying around. Today I started out pretty energetic, even got on my computer for work.....but then had my 1st BM since starting treatment and it literally knocked the wind out of me!!! I almost fainted. Was so glad DH was still home to help me back to bed. It took me about 1/2 hour to recoup my strength from that......the things I used to take for granted! Sending out prayers for those facing the chair this week, and for those who've already given it their butts to kiss ;-) Stay prayerful, hopeful & blessed.

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  • Damaris51270
    Damaris51270 Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2011

    YBROOKER1 -DRINKING A TON OF WATER FEELING A LITTLE BETTER -THANKS.

    SUMMERGIRL1 ND ROBO47 WELCOME!! SO FAR THE ALLEVE AND THE CLARITIN WITH THE NEULASTA HAVE WORKED OK STILLHAVE PAIN ON MY LEGS FROM BEFORE CAN'T GET RID OF THAT. CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THIS IS ALL OVER.

    HELP ME!!!!  HAD SOMETHING THIS TIME I DIDN'T HAVE BEFORE HEARTBURN -IS KILLING ME!! ANY ADVICE MY FRIENDS!!! TUMS HELPS IT A LITTLE THEN IS BACK, DRINKING A TON OF SELTZER WATER!!!

    GRACIAS!!

    DAMARIS 

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  • edoyrest
    edoyrest Member Posts: 55
    edited August 2011

    Damaris,

    Ask you dr if you can try Prilosec for the reflux, it works well for me regularly as I already have reflux.  Good luck!

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  • edoyrest
    edoyrest Member Posts: 55
    edited August 2011

    Musicalmom,

    You will feel better from your surgery every day, I am now 8 wks out from re-excisions and AND and feel great!  Time does heal!  Best wishes,

    Eileen

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  • edoyrest
    edoyrest Member Posts: 55
    edited August 2011

    I start TC 4X tomorrow, Wed. Aug. 3rd!

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  • edoyrest
    edoyrest Member Posts: 55
    edited August 2011

    Rochelle,

    I got a Beau Beau scarf today, they're silk and lined with cotton, already tied and really pretty!

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  • edoyrest
    edoyrest Member Posts: 55
    edited August 2011

    Amelie,

    Dont forget me -- I start tomorrow (Wed) as well!

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  • edoyrest
    edoyrest Member Posts: 55
    edited August 2011

    mybee333 - I'm 52 and have long hair too - I start TC 4X tomorrow -- I bought 2 hats for at home and a pre-tied silk scarf from BeauBeau -- really pretty -- just remember, our hair will grow back unlike some of our husbands who have no hope in that dept!  We're buying our insurance with this chemo that it won't come back -- expensive insurance but worth it!!

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  • edoyrest
    edoyrest Member Posts: 55
    edited August 2011

    Jenn,

    I hear you about the breastfeeding side being the one affected!  I breastfed both of my children, the first for 18 months and the second for 24 months (not exclusively the whole time), the left  side is the side that 'worked' better and that is the side with most cancer.  I have bilateral IDC simultaneouly, go figure! 

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  • michelleo13
    michelleo13 Member Posts: 342
    edited August 2011

    Got my delivery from headcovers.com today. As I expected, scarf tying is a bit challenging. The biggest problem is my thick mop of hair gets in the way. That won't be a problem for too long! I'm getting a short haircut on Thursday and have booked an appointment at the wig shop for Friday.



    I also got one of the cute flower swim caps. My daughters just love it.



    I tried to book a spot in the Look Good Feel Better seminar in August but it's full already. Will try for September.



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  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Ok edoyrest, tomorrow is our big day! We CAN DO THIS! I'll be thinking of you! I hope we both have smooth sailing!:)

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  • EllasMom
    EllasMom Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2011

    I agree with you ladies.  The expanders are not comfortable at all.  I won't have my "new boobs" put in until the spring (after chemo and radiation).  The thought of having these in until then is not at all appealing.  They started reconstruction the same time as my BMX on July 12.  They do seem to be a bit better this week.  I go in for another fill of the girls tomorrow, then have my chemo training on Thursday, then my first dance with the devil (A/C) on Friday.  I'll keep everyone posted on any SE.

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  • Leighsa
    Leighsa Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2011

    VtEllen and edoyrest you are both in my thoughts. Good luck tomorrow!

    (((Hugs)))

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  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited August 2011

    Good Evening!

    May I join the group as well? I've confirmed I'll be starting chemo next Wednesday, August 10th! I found out my re-excision was good and my margins are clear!!! 

    I will be doing TC for 4 treatments every three weeks. I've already been sent my scripts for Ativan, Zofran, and Decradon (sp?) as well as a script for a wig prothesis for my insurance compay, who will cover up to $500 for wigs and supplies.  My sister is going to shave her head with me in support (yikes!)

    I hope everyone is doing well!

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Hi Chris!!! Welcome to the club no one really wants to join....BUT....here we are.



    Your sister ROCKS!!!! That's awesome....

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  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited August 2011

    @Madismommy -- Hi hon -- how are you doing! My sister is wonderful to do that. I asked my mom (jokingly) if she wanted to shave her head and her facial expression was pricessless. She is from the south and said "Oh honey...I gotta go to work everyday...." and then rolled her eyes. It was all very funny if you saw it in person!

     Did you start yet??

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  • roxessence
    roxessence Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2011

    hey Chrys, my 1st day is thursday the 11th so i'll be a day behind you.  let's link arms & become a force to be Reckoned with!!!  Cool what a fabulous sister you have!  that truly brought a smile to me.  it's so strange about the nursing phemonenon - i had the exact same experience!  i enjoyed nursing my both of my sons for better than 15 mos & the left breast has always been my "good" side [the one that really made being married Fun too!!! Kiss]  WTF??? according to practically everything i've read, nursing is supposed to be a kind of "protection" from BC.

    ellen & eileen [how's That for a pair?] i'll be thinking of you both all day tomorrow - hoping for smooth beginnings & only Good SE's!!

    yvette, it's encouraging that you feel up to a walk w/your daughter after 4 days - i'm hoping to be able to continue to bask in the remainder of our summer as long as possible!!  have you been taking something to stay regular all along?  yeah, i remember after my c-section, waiting almost a week to go #2 - O.M.G.  lesson learned!! took nearly another week to recoup from That.  i'm determined to Never go there again! Yell  [i know - TMI!]

    okay, i'm whupped for the night.  tossed & turned all night kinda dreading the port insertion this thurs.  what did that accomplish?  Heh - nada but alot of Yawwwwwns at work all day.  silly.

    g'night all - sweet dreams & pleasant days to each of you.

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Chrys, (my spellcheck changed it on me last time....just noticed it.) I start the week of the 22nd it looks like...I have my Muga scan a week from Thursday.....and my chemo training. Port has been in.... Now I just need to mentally get in the game!!!!



    Good luck VtEllen and Edoyrest.... Go kick cancer's butt tomorrow!!!! :)



    Rox....the anticipation of my port going in totally exhausted me too. you'll be okay, mine didn't bother me much at all at first and than like a week ago it was very irritated, turns out my BS pulled the derma bond off my incision too soon and one area was kind of raw....it's better now.

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  • mybee333
    mybee333 Member Posts: 1,189
    edited August 2011

    On the breastfeeding issue:  I was a La Leche League leader (providing breastfeeding support) and we did emphasize that breastfeeding drastically reduced your chances of getting breast cancer.  I nursed 3 kids - ea. for 3 years! - and my right side was my favorite 'side'.  Was just easier cradling that little pumpkin in the crook of my right arm.  The babies seemed to prefer that side.  And yes - that is the side I got the IDC on.  I have no explanation for all of this.  It would be an interesting thing to look into.  Meet with my MO tomorrow.

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Speaking of breast feeding....when I had my daughter 8 years ago I couldn't breast feed because my milk never came in at all.... I questioned this and my doctors were not concerned. Now, 8 years later I'm being told that most likely my ducts were blocked by precancerous/early stage DCIS.... WTH???? But I was only 27 with no history of any cancers in my family, why would they think to look into it I guess? Man do I kick myself now for not persuing it.....

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  • mybee333
    mybee333 Member Posts: 1,189
    edited August 2011

    With all the many women we helped with La Leche Leaque (and we had a crisis phone service as well as group support), I never heard of that problem.  But if it was pre-cancerous, that might explain it as it is unusual (unfortunately for you) for an onset at age 27.  They might not have found anything at that time anyway. My mammo. didn't show any of my DCIS and it was so extensive I needed to get a mastectomy.

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  • Ybrooker1
    Ybrooker1 Member Posts: 41
    edited August 2011

    Good morning ladies! Just wanted to send prayers and positive thoughts to VtEllen, Edoyrest, & everyone else who is giving the chemo chair their butts to kiss today! May the Lord bless & protect you while keeping you SE free. Please drink plenty of fluids today.....especially green tea......helped me tremendously.



    Roxessence, the walk was challenging, but definitely made me feel better! Went for another one last night. For some reason, until I get out and walk, my legs feel like lead and I feel like all of my energy has been zapped......guess getting the juices flowing really does help.

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  • edoyrest
    edoyrest Member Posts: 55
    edited August 2011

    Amen and thank you Yvette!

    Ellen - I'm right there with ya!

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  • summergirl1
    summergirl1 Member Posts: 182
    edited August 2011

    Thanks all for welcoming me to this site , and your great responses

    Madismommy & MyBEE333 . I am right with you with the hair thing we can cry together , I am 47 and have never even had my hair above my shoulders I did get a long wig but dont know what it will be like wearing it , will it feel really weird, luckily my 17yr old son is a hairdresser and said he will help me with it. and as far as TE go they are very uncomfortable but I keep  telling myself that its better than a prostesis for me anyway, and it wont be too long till its out and I heard once the implant goes in it feels much better. so we have that to look forward to

    Leighsa: I was first told I had IDC and that a lumpectomy was not possible as I am small breasted and my tumor was very large 5cm and just appeared out of nowhere so they advised a MX which wasnt too bad as the PS put in a TE the same size as my normal breast so thankfully I dont have to wear a prosthsis , after surgery I was then told that I had ILC but I wasnt to worry as the tx is the same for both I dont really know what the difference is myself but Im trusting they know what they are doing. I think they would have just done a lumectomy on me too if my tumor wasnt so big.

    to all those who have started their TX good luck to you all I guess as everyone says to me the sooner I start the quicker its over , but Im still TERRIFIED.

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  • mybee333
    mybee333 Member Posts: 1,189
    edited August 2011

    Summergirl - When my TE gets too uncomfortable, I tell myself I lucky I really am to even have this option.  Not that many years ago, a mastectomy was a brutal and horribly disfiguring and debilitating operation.  I feel blessed indeed that we have so many reconstruction options.

    I will be thinking of all of you as I meet with my MO today.  Good luck and be brave girls!

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