MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

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  • marthah
    marthah Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2011

    Lory,

    Nice to meet you...sorry it's not under better circumstances. 

    I had TC (Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide), x6 rounds, every 3 wks. Four days after my first infusion I felt like I'd been hit by a truck...like a bad case of the flu. And I'd get that way each time -- infusion on Fridays, counts would tank on the following Tuesdays. It would take 1.5 to 3 days for me to recup, and it would magnify a little in duration each time, so by the end of #6, I was pooped OUT!

    Are you working full time or part time? Now is a good time to start getting your FMLA paperwork in order. 

    Stick around...we'll help you through it. Kiss

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  • Kay_G
    Kay_G Member Posts: 3,345
    edited November 2011

    tiedyemom and lory48, welcome!  Sorry you had to join.

    I had a few positive nodes Tiedyemom.  I am not sure how it would change your plan, it would probably require some nodes to be removed with surgery and possibly also radiation after surgery.  It could be that was going to be recommended any way though.  Ask away, it will ease your mind to have women here who know exactly what you're talking about.

    Lory, I had taxotere, not taxol and did not have cyclophosphamide, so can't comment too much.  I did have one infusion of Taxol before finding out I was allergic.  The one se that I got was bone pain.  If you get it, the onc will give you pain meds if you want them.  I did okay on just advil.

    Janis, so sorry to hear you aren't feeling well and had to put off surgery AGAIN!  Feel better and I will be there with you next Thursday.

    Sherry, praying for B9 as I munch on all the goodies in your pockets.  Healing thoughts being sent your way.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2011

    I left my job in May after a neck injury at work.. applied for disabilty.  So I will be able to recup after each round without the worry of work.

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited November 2011

    Greetings, Lory48!  Is the chemo first because your tumor size is large on the imaging?  That is not a lot of chemo.  Is there any more planned for after your surgery?  Do you know which surgery you will get?

    marthah,  I haven't heard too much about Cyclophosphamide...any chance of keeping hair with that one?

    Thinking B9 thought about Sherryc.  Give the girl a break!

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited November 2011

    Elimar & barbe-Amen sistahs!

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  • Paula66
    Paula66 Member Posts: 1,728
    edited November 2011

    tiedye and lory48 welcome.  The gals around here are a great bunch.  If you have any questions post away.  Someone will be able to help.  Good luck with your up coming tests and treatments.  Im sorry we have to meet this way. 

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited November 2011

    Welcome tiedye and lory48 to the club no one wants to be a member of.  These ladies are super and have lots of information and support to give.  Just jump in anytime and ask a question.  These gals can get wild and crazy sometimes and at the same time get serious if they need to.

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  • marthah
    marthah Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2011

    elimar and lory,

    I'm not sure which of the 2 drugs are responsible for hair loss. I think they both contribute. I have very fine straight hair, which I was wearing fairly short (due to perimenopausal night sweats). Once I noticed more than normal hair coming out, I shaved my head. That was a couple weeks after my 1st infusion. By that time, my scalp was becoming very sensitive. After my second infusion, I had a fair amount of stubble coming out in the shower (you still shampoo and condition your scalp like you normally do). However, the hair loss stopped after that. Overall I probably lost about 30% of my hair, in patches. But I was glad I shaved my head because the patchy thing would have looked nasty, and the hair was irritating my scalp. 

    I probably wouldn't shave down as much as I did, and just use some clippers. 

    lory, just ask your MO for some good drugs. LaughingInnocent That'll help, especially if you experience a tender scalp. I was on low dose vicoden (5 mg hydrocodone w/tylenol). That stuff was a real life-saver, along with some lorazepam for sleeping and to take before my infusions. 

    you can do this! 

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  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited November 2011

    Welcome tiedye and lory48 but sorry you have to be here because of BC.  Everyone here is really great at helping out with questions and positive support.  We even know how to throw a pocket party when you need it. 

    Thanks everyone again for the birthday wishes!  It was the best day of this really crappy year.  Had a fantastic dinner out with my DS and DIL and grandson.  DH was working but we will go out this weekend.  The best present was a new job!  Quit the one I did get 3 months ago because of very poor management.  I don't do well with chaos everyday anymore, just too stressful and fatiguing.  The hours will be better at the new job too.  I start tomorrow!  Kitty

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited November 2011

    Congrats on the new job, Kitty! Less stress, that's always a good thing!

    Welcome tiedye & lory! I'm so sorry you have to be here but glad you have found us. This entire group of wonderful sistas is as solid as a rock.

    (( Sherry ))

    (( Janis ))

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  • tiedyemom
    tiedyemom Member Posts: 117
    edited November 2011

    Guess what ladies??!!!  M lymph nodes kicked ass today!!  FOUR ulstrasounds later the doc finally says " I'm going to call your surgeon and let him know there is nothing here that I can stick a needle in.....your nodes are healthy and the spot he was looking at is just a small mass of muscles tissue"!!  When I let him know that I'm a groomer and lift 60 lb dogs all day he agreed that that probably explained the larger muscle area!!  So HA!!!  It's just the breasts to worrie bout!!!

    Now onto chemo and genetic testing.  Anything I should know bout chemo?  Any pointers or helps? 

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited November 2011

    That is GREAT news on the nodes!!

    I didn't have chemo or genetic testing, so I can't help you there. I had a lumpectomy & Rads.

    You're doing great so far. We are here for you!

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  • juliet62
    juliet62 Member Posts: 3,412
    edited November 2011

    great news tiedye, i had lumpectomy/rads so no help on the chemo questions

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  • tiedyemom
    tiedyemom Member Posts: 117
    edited November 2011

    Kitty,

    CONGRATULATIONS on knowing your boundaries where chaos is concerned AND on the new job!  Best of luck tomorrow!  What do you do?  I'm new to the thread, due to start chemo "soon" as per my doc (I'm learning to ask more specific questions so I'll have more info)  Can you tell me where you are at with treatment?  It's encouraging to hear that you are not only working but gutsy enough to start a new job while going through treatment!  Kudos to you girl!

    Cindy 

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  • Hauntie
    Hauntie Member Posts: 483
    edited November 2011

    Today, I am a 17 year survivor of breast cancer. I know how lucky I am to still be here.  I celebrate my survival and am very grateful.for my NED status. Unfortunately, in the 17 years since I was diagnosed, many relatives and friends have been diagnosed with this awful disease. I have also lost many friends and through BCO have made many friends who are living with metastatic breast cancer. Enough already. WE NEED A CURE NOW!!!!

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  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited November 2011

    Congrats Hauntie we all really need to hear stories like yours.Go and celebrate the day with your family and loved ones.

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  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited November 2011

    Someone asked about BRCA testing and it's effects and I want to answer them.  I was diagnosed at age 48, got BRCA testing based on my age and a family history of pancreatic cancer.  I am, thank the good Lord, mutation negative.  When I was going thru the counseling and testing process what I learned is that having a BRCA 1 or BRCA2 mutation increases the risk of a second breast cancer and increases the risk of ovarian cancer, especially the BRCA2 mutation.  If I had tested positive for a mutation I would have had my ovaries removed for 2 reasons, to stop taking lupron to shut them down so I can take arimidex  and to decrease the risk of developing ovarian cancer.  Women (and men, too) with one of the mutations need aggressive screeing for breast and ovarian cancers, as in ultrasounds, MRIs, CTs, etc every 6 months or so.  I knew I couldn't live with that kind of testing schedule, so I would have opted for ooperectomy and had already arranged for a prophylactic mastectomy of my remaining breast.  Having one of the mutations changes your risk numbers and that has to be factored into your care plan. 

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  • Kay_G
    Kay_G Member Posts: 3,345
    edited November 2011

    Hauntie, congrats on your anniversary!   That is wonderful for you and for all of us to hear as well!

    Keep on trucking my surgery buddy!  How are you doing with that?  Are you all recovered yet?

    I had chemo, but different ones than they're planning for you I think.  They used the "big guns" on me because of multiple tumors, size and nodes involved.  But it was all doable.  Not fun, but doable.  The best thing to do is to join the thread to go through it with other women having chemo at the same time.  You will be surprised how much that helps and how close you get.  I just had lunch yesterda (after both of us had a rads treatment) with a friend from the March 2011 chemo lounge.  Had a great time.  We talked about cancer the whole lunch though.  We vowed we are doing it again in a couple of weeks and will not talk about cancer then.

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  • justmejanis
    justmejanis Member Posts: 1,847
    edited November 2011

    Kitty congrats on a new, less stressful job!  Way to go woman.  I wish you much luck on your new endeavor. 

    Hauntie....really happy you have achieved this wonderful milestone!  Happy hugs!

    Welcome new ladies....you found the best place around for support and information.  And food!  :) 

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited November 2011

    Hauntie - Big congrats on such a milestone.  What an inspiration you are to the rest of us.  You give us hope

    tiedyemom - Great news on the nodes.  I had a lumpectomy, rads and Tamoxifen so I can't help you withe the chemo question.  I know someone will come along and help out. 

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited November 2011

    What a streak of good news!

    tiedyemom,  you managed to avoid an unnecessary biopsy -- that's B9-ly fabulous!

    KG2001,  Congrats on the new job!

    Hauntie,  Seventeen years, may you have many more! 

                                       

    Now what could really make this a spree of good news today is if we hear from Sherryc and get good news from her.  Fingers are crossed.

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  • LovesChristmas-Barb
    LovesChristmas-Barb Member Posts: 706
    edited November 2011

    Yay for all of the good news! Good luck with the new job Kitty. Yay for clear lymph nodes tiedyemom!

    Yay for 17 years Hauntie!!! Many more I pray!! That does give all of us hope. =)

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  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited November 2011

    Hauntie--You are such an inspiration!!! Hoping to follow in your footsteps!

    Tiediemom--I had neo-adjuvant chemo--11rounds of Taxol(should have done 12 but my counts were so low they wanted to give me a break to heal before I started my second chemo cocktail) and 4 AC and then DBMX. I hate saying it was doable--it is--but if it wasn't for the SE drugs--it wouldn't have been!! PM if you have any questions!

    Kitty--Way to go on the new job!! I wish I had the guts to walk away from my job, stress is just downright sick at my job. But I just posted a rather large dorm payment for my son for next semester. Quitting not an option right now.

    Still have my fingers and toes crossed for ((((sherry))))! 

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  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited November 2011

    Awesome milestone Hauntie!  Your are our courage and inspiration that we can move on. 

    Thanks everyone for the support for my second job!  It's nothing spectacular, just retail sales, but I do enjoy being able to meet and talk with many people.  Even though I am retired from my school teaching, I can't just sit around.  Anyway, got to run and will check in tonight.  Kitty

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  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited November 2011

    I am on a plane to Cayo Coco tomorrow but will check back in on Sunday.

    Here is the mystery photo.

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  • prayrv
    prayrv Member Posts: 941
    edited November 2011

    Looks like a bird's nest

    or

    lawn mulch

    Trish

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  • suzwes
    suzwes Member Posts: 1,740
    edited November 2011

    I have to agree with prayrv, looks like a bird's nest to me. Mum - Have a wonderful time in cayo coco (I have to admit, I had to look up where in the world cayo coco was)  bask in the warmth for me too and have a drink of the day for me - think about our monkey head drink glasses!

    Congratulations Hauntie, 17 years is incredible - here's to many more years of survivorship.

    Congratulations on the new job kitty!

    Congratulations to tyediemom for the normal lymph nodes.  As far as chemo, cmblastic had mentioned the side effect drugs making it doable and that is very true.  While I still had side effects the anti-nausea drugs were a God send and I took them for the first 4-5 days round the clock whether or not I needed them.  I think that really helped me and while I had no appetite, at least I wasn't vomitting and could sleep well.  If you have specific questions as you go through, just ask!

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  • Hauntie
    Hauntie Member Posts: 483
    edited November 2011
    Don't know when you visited to take the picture , but my guess is a super close-up of my living room carpetSmile
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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited November 2011

    Mystery Pic (bottom pg. 549) looks like a nest.  It does not look like a squirrel nest because that's all sticks.  It does not look like a small birds nest because the pieces look big.  So, a large bird's nest; or something a rabbit or guinea pig might put together (but it does not look quite chewed up enough for that.)

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  • madpeacock
    madpeacock Member Posts: 369
    edited November 2011

    I'll add my good news to the mix! Met with MO on Monday and my Oncotype score was 8, so no chemo for me! Woo hoo! I started Tamoxifen on Tuesday Tongue out but so far, so good. Can't tell anything is different. Today I went to the RO for follow up after balloon catheter and got the all clear from them too. So, I went from crazy busy didn't know what was coming next to a followup with MO in December, mammo on "bad" side in Feb with visit to BS in March, and then followup with RO in May. Ready to move on with life! I feel like I can actually make plans now further out than my next appointment. Cool

    Welcome to the newbies and gentle hugs to those having surgery, procedures, treatment, etc. Congratuations on 17 years Hauntie - that is inspiring! I'm at eleven weeks post diagnosis, LOL.

    elimar - love the peacock up top!!! 

    Mystery pic - pile of wood shavings? Looks like there's a bit of carrot nearby, so maybe a small animal cage - guinea pig, etc.

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