February 2011 chemo pals

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    dogeyed - what a wonderful compliment, you made my day!  We all want you to know we are thinking of you, and I know the responses from all the Feb ladies that they are reading, but not necessarily posting, means that we are all still sending support to each other! Remember that you had surgery after the hell (my kids always said h-e-double hockey sticks) of chemo so recovery will be ever so much slower.  Neoadjuvent chemo has to be harder.  I was lucky that even though I had a lot of surgery prior to chemo my MO and PS insisted that I be mostly healed before starting because the chemo would inhibit further healing. Try not to be frustrated and let yourself recover, even if it seems slow.  I think your accelerated rads proposal might be a good idea for you, get it over faster.  I know some of the ladies have said by the end of rads they are pretty fatigued. Not what you need - but your docs will know what to do. Keep us posted!

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  • jenn_h
    jenn_h Member Posts: 149
    edited August 2011

    I'm glad to see some of the group here from the last few days, I agree, I always check in with this thread first, but did join on to an Aug rads one, I feel like I've moved and started at a new school or something though :)

    Rads start for me on Monday, not so much looking forward to it, yet looking forward to it to get it over with. I have a onc appt. Mon as well to check out my leg...I feel like I have a pinched nerve, but I guess at this point I'm so freaked about it mets-ing to my bones...hard not to just let it go!

    I figured out that between me and my son (who broke hi leg in Apr.) we have 14 appts. in the next 7 days!! Today he had a surgery to get an artificial skin graft and the Dr. came to see us when we thought he was done and said, "so the hughes saga continues" (always something with us). He went to put on the skin graft and it was expired! They have them overnight shipped so he thought we would have to return next week! (This is 2 hrs away from home, we had spent the night, and the kid was already under!) Turned out they had a girl scheduled for tomorrow for a shark bite and were able to use that one and order another for her! Phew!  Funny thing though...the graft is made from cow skin! We teased my son and said he couldn't eat steak anymore now or he'd be a cannibal, and my DH no longer needs to mow as we can put him out to graze!! LOL

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    jenn_h - How does someone in Pennsylvania get a shark bite?  How does skin expire?  I have many questions!  How is your son doing with these health challenges at such a young age?  I feel so fortunate that my kids have not had anything major happen (yet!), it is so hard on us moms!

    Hope you do well with rads - all have said it is somewhat nervewracking at the beginning but then you settle in.  Take care of your skin!

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  • jenn_h
    jenn_h Member Posts: 149
    edited August 2011

    Yes, we asked about the shark bite too! She got it in NC :) The skin comes in this plastic package and has a date on it...not sure why it expires, but I'll take their word for it! He has handled the whole thing very well for being a very active 14 yr. old. Luckily he is a lot like me and not his dad! He kind of takes things as they come...hopefully he will be better at least by basketball and snowboarding seasons,,,being out of football is really hard for him!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    I wonder if it is the preservative or preparation on the skin that actually expires.  Although, working in the blood bank, blood products also expire so maybe it actually is the skin itself - maybe it won't graft effectively past a certain point. I am glad that your son is dealing - kids are sometimes impatient!  Good news is they also heal fast - so I too hope that he is up and ready for the other sports on his list!

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited August 2011

    Hi ladies. I'm still here too. I check in every other day or so. My last Taxol was July 15 and I went back to work 3 weeks ago. Let me tell you I am EXHAUSTED!!! I sat around on my butt for 7 months and expected to hop back into work at my usual level of activity. No way! By 3 PM today, I thought I would collapse. I was dripping sweat and my arms and legs were like noodles. I like Gail's description of the physical fatique: like I'm carrying a horse instead of the other way around.

    Though my hair seems to growing in slowly, I think I'm still losing a bit of it. Eyebrows and lashes have thinned dramatically in the past week. My eyes are also very dry and irritated. So the poison is still working its "magic" on my poor worn-out body. Funny how everyone seems to think since my last treatment was July 15, I must be all done! I'm expected to be back to my same old self right away. All the help that was "offered" has disappeared, when I still actually really need help.

    Hang in there sisters! 

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited August 2011

    Oh, I forgot to mention... I have one toe on my right foot (the "flip the bird" toe) that I previously mentioned has the nail turning black. It, and only it, is numb and tingly. Funny.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    charlottesmama - Ah, the taxanes - the gift that keeps on giving...  My brows and lashes thinned after the end of chemo but then they stopped.  I am now 10 weeks PFC and they are making a comeback.  The eye thing seems to resolve at about 6-8 weeks, so hang in.  I too am still very tired.  I finished chemo first week of June, had surgery (again) on 7/20 and I don't seem to be snapping back with any kind of energy.  Went to the Bucs/Patriots game yesterday.  My DH does the pirate flags at the top of the stadium with his peeps from MacDill AFB.  I had to stop twice while climbing the steps to the top of the stadium - felt like an old, old lady.  Weird that your toe with the nail is the only one with neuropathy.  That should gradually go away as well.  I have the bottom of both feet but it is getting slowly better too.

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  • dogeyed
    dogeyed Member Posts: 884
    edited August 2011

    MICHELLE, I am delighted to hear from you again!  I also felt the effects of Taxol several weeks after, right up to surgery.  July 7 was my last chemo treatment, then surgery was Aug 2.  And then that weakness came, and, as i tell people, "That surgery kicked my butt!"  NeverMIND the chemo, altho that felt like falling down off a cliff.  I had NO idea surgery would do me in, I went in so innocent.  I had to ask my doc for an extra week off to get myself straight before going to rads appointments.  I've been trying protein and iron, and while the iron seemed to make me feel better, it's in microscopic measures.  Right now, I just got up, and both my arms are just barely hanging on, and I only had one breast removed.  I guess I need to take a little walk each day maybe, down to ye olde gazebo, and just sit and vegetate, breathing in fresh air, counting blessings.  Love to ALL my sisters, GG

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  • jenn_h
    jenn_h Member Posts: 149
    edited August 2011

    See GG, there's your problem you are just a little lopsided right now!! :) You'll feel better when your body gets used to it!

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited August 2011

    Ain't it crazy!? I'm so used to being SO physical. My job is a day-long workout in a hot restaurant kitchen complete with hot flashes. Hoo ha! I sweat so much and I have no eyebrows! This is our busiest time of year, but I have to cut back, then take more weeks off for the removal of my hysterical parts. Damn! Will I lose my hysterical sense of humor?

    Isn't it weird that 5 weeks after my last Taxol I'm losing my eyebrows and lashes? Sheesh. I feel so ugly, like a naked mole rat.

    http://pigeonpresents.com/moleratgame/

    Cheers and lots of yogurt!

    Michelle 

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    charlottesmama - We used to live in Washington D.C. area and they had a naked mole rat display at the National Zoo - my kids had naked mole rat t-shirts - they are pretty crazy looking and I am sure you look nothing like one!  And, no, your hysterical sense of humor is not removed with those parts!

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  • Melanie_Ann
    Melanie_Ann Member Posts: 414
    edited August 2011

    Hello ladies! Just checking in! I finished rads about 2 weeks ago and I've been on Tamoxifen that long as well. I'm so thankful b/c it doesn't seem to really be affecting me at all. I take it with breakfast. I do notice that I still have hot flashes but they don't seem to be any worse than before. i'm trying to stay off the Tamoxifen threads. I don't think I should go looking for trouble...lol. But I'm sure it's helpful for those suffering through it. I'm back to a busy, busy life. It's so crazy! My hair is slowly, slowly coming in. It's been 3 months since my last chemo and I just have a little bit of hair. =( They say it's because i had a strong combo of drugs.

    I'm getting irritated by everyone commenting on my hair constantly. I hear "OMG it's growing!" several times a day. I want to say...no, really? I hadn't noticed. I mean..do they think they're the first person to mention it to me? Oh well...I guess the comments won't stop until I'm looking normal again. I'm still wrapping my LE arm so I constantly get questioned about that still. So anyways...just wanted to pop in and say hi. =) I love my feb gals also. 

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  • ruffy
    ruffy Member Posts: 141
    edited August 2011

    Congrats Melanie on finishing rads, I just had my planning on Friday and start sept 7th. I'm sooo happy to hear about your experience so far with tamoxifen. I agree with staying off the threads. I havent started it yet but found myself looking at one if the threads and almost had a panic attack!! I'm really really hoping I do ok with it. Glad to hear that you are :)

    Michelle, I too lost eyebrows and lashes long after taxol. It was not fair and I could barely look at myself in the mirror- the good news, they grew back really quite fast and full, so before you know it you're gonna have to go get them shaped.

    Have a great week feb girls! Thinking of you all and hope you're all making out ok :)

    xo

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    hi mel and ruffolo - I started Femara a few weeks ago, also trying to stay off the boards.  Not having any real issues, just some stiffness right when I get out of bed, or if I am sitting on the floor and try to get up.  Once I move around I am fine. 

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  • mamaoftwo
    mamaoftwo Member Posts: 267
    edited August 2011

    Hi everyone, Glad to hear you're all doing well.  Yes, Charlottesmama, the bushy eyebrows- at least for me - grow back really quickly.  Eyelashes too.  They were all missing, now about half an inch long, it's ridiculous, but I won't complain ever again about too much hair.

    I started Arimidex on July 4th and besides some knee stiffness that may have predated the pills, I am feeling pretty good.  The boards are dangerous.  I read the post-Arimidex postings of all these women who gained 30 pounds in a year and have debilitating joint pain. But I am just assuming there are many silent, non-posters who are doing fine and managing their weight.  We shall see. So far so good for me.

    Have a good night everyone.

    Laura

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited August 2011

    I'm another one who began Tamoxifen several weeks ago and did very little reading on the Tamoxifen threads so as not to freak myself out.  So far I don't seem to have any issues with taking it.  God bless all the women on the board who are willing to share their experiences, tho, because I know what a continuous help and support it can be.

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  • dogeyed
    dogeyed Member Posts: 884
    edited August 2011

    Gosh, it's good to see all the old faces together once again here.  I guess I was panicking.  I have panic disorder and can run myself right out of my mind.  I'm resting before rads start, just could not get it together.  I have to take a hormone pill, too, since I am estrogen positive, 40 percent.  I just put my head down on the doc's desk when he said that.  I proceeded to argue the issue, I'm post menopausal and could not understand the concept.  He said the body switches over and produces its own estrogen via some extraordinarily complex method having to do with fat cells.  All I could think was if they want me to lose weight, by golly I will., 30 or 40 pounds would do it.  It would seem to me that we womens needs our hormones, but I sure don't need cancer, so what to do.  Well, I'll do what I'm told fo six months, and then we'll see how I'm feeling, but don't you all try this at home!  GG

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    dogeyed - don't worry we will all be on hormones together!  I am ER+ at 100% so I am definitely taking them, I have not had too much of a problem with any additional flashes because I am 10 years out from surgical menopause, I have only had some stiffness in my ankles.  Actually this morning I woke up and did not have stiffness, I was pretty excited.  I am hoping you do not have problems with any stiffness or aching because I know you already have issues with that from your accident.  I can say that as soon as I start walking around and have a cup of coffee I am good as new!  Or as good as I can be!

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  • LisaGH
    LisaGH Member Posts: 242
    edited August 2011

    Specialk- you are my triplet- I am 99 percent estrogen positive. Like you and others on here- I am on Arimidex- initially I did go on there- I had nausea pretty bad the first several days- scared me (had no nausea w/ chemo). It did get better. Bone pains come and go but nothing locally. Stiffness like everyone worse in the morning.

    Still have neuropathy in one of my feet- seems worse some days- just numb but not painful. I am such a worry wart too (have to work to keep the fear in check sometimes)- I have already asked my doctor if I might stay on Arimidex more than 5 years if it keeps the estrogen away....he was calm- said some research being done on some meds to see if longer makes any difference. He said he probably would be ok w/ me on med longer if bone density is ok. 

    And Arimidex to me is easier than chemo- thankful for that. I think I have 9 more herceptins to go now. Is that how many you have? 

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    LisaGH - Hey, my triplet!  You just had Herceptin #10, I will get mine on Thurs.  Depending on whether you are receiving 17 or 18 - the camp is pretty evenly split over on triple positive - you either have 7 or 8 left.  Femara is ok so far - glad you didn't continue with the nausea after the first few days on Arimidex.  I am still having some trouble with my one fingernail that got weird during chemo, and I have bottoms of feet that are numb, one more than the other, but slowly resolving.  They are going to have to keep an eye on my bones with the AI, I am already osteopenic but have been stable for a long time.  If I have to have anything I think I might opt for Reclast through the port.  I had a Nissen procedure done in '95 and tried Boniva and Actonel - poor esophagus couldn't deal.  Have you moved at work yet?  How is that going?  I have to say I miss my co-workers but not going to work!  I usually stop in on my Herceptin days to say hello to them.  I was at the Bucs/Patriots game the other night with my old boss - we are still friends but she was whining about me not being there to run the ship anymore!

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  • LisaGH
    LisaGH Member Posts: 242
    edited August 2011

    Hi- I got GEL nails today! Just like before all this breast cancer started. My nails were so paper thin post chemo and asked my MO who said it was fine.

    I am moving jobs next week. It's been sad this wk- I have been at current job almost 10 years.

    Ready for a new adventure (one that doesn't involve so many doctor visits!)

    Glad you were at the game w/ your old boss- glad you are having fun. 

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    LisaGH - I am so jealous!  I miss my old nails.  9 out of 10 are wonderful and I could get acrylics again if it were not for the ugly duckling left ring finger.  At H#10 today MO said I have to see a derm to have it looked at - it looks infected.  It looks greenish.  Eesh!  Tried to go over there - right across the street at the Univ of So FL but the parking lot was closed for construction and all other parking requires permits.  This is the first week of school so it is all crazy over there.  I will just have to try to work it out on the phone tomorrow.  I already had a derm appt for 9/12 to check my skin cancer removal places from just before I started chemo but I don't think I can wait that long without buying trouble.  Hopefully I can move up the check up and include the bad finger.  Two birds with one stone!  It looks like I will go to the Dolphins/Bucs with old boss too!  Moving to the new job must be scary/sad/exciting!  Keep me posted!

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  • dogeyed
    dogeyed Member Posts: 884
    edited August 2011

    ALL, Greetings, salutations, hallucinations!

    Well, I have needed this week off.  That surgery was tough.  My appoints are set up for seeing rads doc and melanoma doc next week.  I have gone from deep depression to total exhaustion to pain.  I did get my shoulder pulled somehow, muscles were bunched up, so I got on floor and rolled it out, but yanked it again trying to get up.  Smile.  But most of it stayed good.  I've been out every other day to water bushes or at least to gazebo to sit.  I think it helps with my strength. 

    SPECIALK, I lost my last two right toenails and my last left toenail.  So strange.  I guess you've put some sort of antiseptic type stuff on your finger to tide you over to seeing derm doc.  Chemo is the drug that keeps on giving, I'd say. 

    Well, just saying hello, and when I think of how long rads are going to be, six weeks of weekday treatments, I remind myself that we all went thru five months of chemo, keeps my spirits up to remember.  Thanks to you all for checking in now and then, my sisters.  Love always, Gail 

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    dogeyed - I started laughing at your first line - hallucinations!  You crack me up!  Glad you are getting out to the gazebo, hope it is not too hot.  Enjoy your flowers but be careful.  My pinky toenail grew back in pretty rapidly, I was surprised.  I am thinking when I iced it didn't get good coverage on that side because that nail is so tiny.  The ugly fingernail situation is a horse of a different color.  That nail was problematic from the beginning because it had a tear part way up.  It lifted but didn't come off and now seems to be infected because I think something got under it up high and set up shop.  I do have an appointment but not until Monday morning.  I am going to call in a minute and see if I can get an appointment at the military base for today.  I have nothing to do today, why not have yet another doctor appt?  I haven't really put anything under the nail because I am allergic to most antibiotics, like Neosporin.  Great, huh?  I am a little fearful they are going to remove the nail, but we will cross that road when we get there.  Take it easy!  I will keep you posted.

    Kathie

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  • alison0415
    alison0415 Member Posts: 35
    edited August 2011

    Hi everyone!  I am here too but haven't posted a think after I finished TCH.  I did the condensed 33 rads in 20 days version, so I finished 7-27.  I am dealing with minor SEs but more emotional issues than anything else.  I think getting pushed into Menopause wakes me out a bit.  Been reading a lot of books and doing research on my own.  Very interesting to learn more about HER2 and diet recommendations.  Will write more later but I do like to keep up with everyone and mainly stopped posting because I was in a bad place which is so unlike me.

    Alison

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    alison0415 - I am curious about what you have learned about Her2/diet.  Share with me when you have time.  Glad you are done with rads and hope you are feeling great soon.

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited August 2011

    Hi ladies! My eyebrows are already starting to fill back in and dark sprouts all over my head. I was getting tired of the naked mole rat look: pink scalp with scattered white hairs. Those white hairs are vigorous growers!

    I had a weird experience earlier this week. I have very mild neuropathy in my right foot: tingly toes and one black nail. Suddenly on Wednesday evening around 6:00 my right ankle started screaming with pain, almost like I had sprained it. The pain was really on the top of my foot. I finally took an oxy to kill the pain and knock me out (kiddo was asleep by then). No problemd since. Taxol related? Another type of neuropathy? Just weird.

    All other SEs seem to have resolved, I'm just so easily fatigued.

    Love to all you Feb Gals!

    Michelle 

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  • MamaV
    MamaV Member Posts: 907
    edited August 2011

    Hey sisters! Just a quick check in ... I'm about 2/3 way done with rads - easy so far. Been on tamoxifen for 7 weeks - only hot flashes to complain about. I'm 7 weeks PFC - eyebrows are fully back and lashes are full but need more length. Back to shaving my legs daily and watching the hair on my head grow every day. Right now I look like a freshly cut marine.



    Feeling so much better! I hope all of you are on the mend too!

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  • lorenar
    lorenar Member Posts: 141
    edited August 2011
    Hi ladies! Sorry I have not posted since May. I have not forgotten any of my chemo sisters. It has just been a rough haul. I finished chemo 3 weeks ago. Am on herceptin now every3 weeks. Next month or Oct, will start taxam/ estrogen positive as well. I had to drive 31/2 hours one way for 20 weeks in a row and was gone 2 days a week than just to exhausted to post. I am having my surgery this Wed. It will be closer to home only 2 hours away, I kept my plastic and breast surgeon up home. They said they may keep me 3 to 5 days wondering if any of you got this. Said reason is only been off taxol 3 weeks and doing herceptin. Breast surgeon said if I do fine maybe just 2. They aren't going to be able to do nipple sparing in R breast where cancer is so I told the to take both. In 3 months if I heal right they will do my silocone implants and fake nips. My husband took a 2 week vacation to be home with me. Im glad Im not the only one always feeling so tired. ha. Used to have alot of energy now go tobed by 10. ha. I also have hair growing back but no eyebrows or eyelashes yet. Michelle I feel for you. Until I hurt my pelvic joints in 2005 I worked a rest. for 20 years it is no fun and yes very hot. My heart goes out to all u not feeling well. I am bE WELL MY SISTERS.
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