Has anyone started a Dec 2011 group?

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  • dlm217
    dlm217 Member Posts: 81
    edited December 2011

    Good luck to all the new December ladies.  I am so scared to start chemo the end of the month but I wanted to wait until after Christmas and I still need to get my port, my heart checked, and a scan done before then.  There are a few of us almost 40 with young kids.  I will be 40 in February and have 3 boys 14, 7, and 2.

  • Whatashocker3
    Whatashocker3 Member Posts: 209
    edited December 2011

    Keepnfaith,



    You have to live in the u.s? The quick manner in which you have received testing and treatment is incredible! Although it has gone fast for you it is a good thing in a crazy way. You aren't having to sit and wait. I started the process in Sept and was officially given the diagnosis 10/05, has a mastectomy 10/14 and didn't start chemo until12/06. I know they say not to be in a hurry but for me it felt good to get it all started. I have boysl 11 & 14. You are fortunate to have a caring sister as mine although we were close doesn't seem to be much support for me at this time. But perhaps it is bcause the news is so shocking. The first chemo for me was not such a concern although I am a little tired come supper time. The other se really haven't played a roll. I wish you good thoughts and a little peace.

  • naan1004
    naan1004 Member Posts: 520
    edited December 2011

    Etherise, welcome

  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    Hi ladies hope everyone is doing well. Hi to the new ladies.



    I had just Herceptin today. Super easy. I did have a slight low grade fever. So tomorrow I might have to go see my onc and get a strep test. Other than that I've been feeling pretty good. I'm 8 days out from TCH.

  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    Oh and my onc hasn't given me any food restrictions. I haven't really wanted to eat any raw fruits or veggies though. Soup and chicken has pretty much been my staple. My tongue hurts and most things taste weird.

  • keepnfaith
    keepnfaith Member Posts: 39
    edited December 2011

    Whatashocker3

    Yes, I am happy this is moving so fast because it makes me feel like they care, but at the same time it hasn't given me much times to process everything going on, in an educational sense I mean.  

    I hate hearing your boys are so young. I have 3 children. Two sons 25 and 17 and a 20 year old daughter. It seems to be especially hard on the boys. My youngest is taking it the hardest. So, I couldn't imagine trying to do this with them even younger. 

    It could be your sister is in shock. Mine cried the next three times I spoke to her after she got the news. I was trying to comfort her! She decided since I am trying to remain so positive that she would learn to be too. I hope those around you will start supporting you. If I didn't have my family and dear friends I would have fallen apart. So far this group seems to be very caring so hopefully you don't feel alone during this difficult time! I know I'm certainly here to try and encourage others as I learn myself! 

  • laurieloomis
    laurieloomis Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2011

    Had my port put in today..a little sore and very scared!  This made it all too real.  It's so weird to have your life going along happy & healthy then Bam  you're spinning out of control.  I  start  chemo right after Christmas....BC Sucks!   Just feeling sorry for myself...not a good day.

  • capinva
    capinva Member Posts: 138
    edited December 2011

    Got the word today that I will begin weekly treatments of Taxol on Dec. 15. Still nervous I may have reaction to Taxol like I did with Taxotere but dr recommends trying it. I hate statitics. Dr said if I don't do Taxol there is a 5-10% of cancer coming back and coming back incurable. But there is a 1 in 10,000 chance I could die from a reaction of this drug. Have already had 1 tx of Taxotere, 4 tx of A/C. Now we try this. Hoping I don't get sick like I did with the A/C.



    For all the newbies, it is tough but you can do this. We just need to kick this cancer and get to our normal lives.

  • Mardibra
    Mardibra Member Posts: 1,111
    edited December 2011

    Wow so many new December ladies. Feels weird to say welcome, but I will say it anyway....welcome. Had my first appt with the radiation oncologist today. She said something that gave me some unexpected hope. Although she wants to confer with the rest of my team, she thinks I may not have to have a mastectomy! I don't want to get my hopes up but I can't help but feel a little encouraged. Today is day 12 since my first AC treatment and I noticed some hair starting to fall. A bigger lump in the shower drain and picking stray hairs off my sweater all day. It has begun....my biggest fear. But Esmarelda (that's what I've named my wig and the styrofoam head she now sits on) is ready and waiting. Just hoping to get through a big client meeting tomorrow and Wednesday with my own hair. Thursday is my next tx and I work from home on Friday and Friday night is my "hair be gone" party. I hope I ave the guts to do it.



    Pleasant thoughts to all.



  • naan1004
    naan1004 Member Posts: 520
    edited December 2011
    mardibra, it's better than clogging up the pipes with all that hair, u can do it most of have already
  • Mardibra
    Mardibra Member Posts: 1,111
    edited December 2011

    Now I'm going to look like a cancer patient. :(

  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    Aww mardibra I know what you mean. I think when the hair goes it will become totally real. My hair was down to the middle of my back and I cut it to a bob. Friday I'm supposed to go pick up my wig and they told me I should shave my head first. Well I'm not going to shave my head until I have to and that will probably be next week.

  • naan1004
    naan1004 Member Posts: 520
    edited December 2011

    mardibra, no you'll look like Sinead O'Connor, when she shaved all her head, she was pretty sexy then, and so will u

  • Mardibra
    Mardibra Member Posts: 1,111
    edited December 2011

    I'm such a baby about the hair thing. Diagnosis? Rocked my world but I took it head on. Surgery? No sweat. Chemo? Something that to be done but I will survive it. Hair? Omg....



    But, this too shall pass. Esmeralda was created after much research (and $$$) and she will be my new best friend for a while. So, I'm trying to find the silver lining. Getting ready in the morning should take less than 30 minutes. No hair to wash dry and straighten. Hair accessories that I've got stashed all over the house, car, office...no longer needed! Overpriced cut and color every six weeks? See ya! Brushes taking up too much room in my bag? Bye bye! Hair going frizzy in the rain? No more! Razors? Who needs em. Painful waxing? Nope!



    Cheers to silver linings!

  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    I am pretty pumped about not having to shave or do my hair.

  • rachelvk
    rachelvk Member Posts: 1,411
    edited December 2011

    Mardibra - as always, I love your attitude. And I'll cross my fingers that you don't need the mx.

    I'll echo the welcome to all the newbies. This whole process is a shocker, every step of the way. But the women on here will all help you - and you'll be surprised that soon you'll be there to help newcomers a month or so from now. We all help each other - that's how we make it through. We'll have a few friends and family who will be there to support us, but it's very different. We need each other to understand. 

    I took my Decadron today and boy was I jittery. I worked late (7:30), ran to choir, stopped to pick up one last prescription - and promptly burst into tears when I got home and my mom greeted me, dinner still warm and ready. I did have a very good talk with the onc nurse this morning who walked me through what to expect. Taxotere sounds like it's the big 'what if' as far as bad reactions. I'll be pulling together things to bring from my list. You guys have been such a good help!

    I'll try to check in while I'm in the chair (wow. "the chair." Has sort of an ominous ring. I'll just remind myself that the condemned are all those rogue cancer cells, if there are any hanging around.

    Yes, here's to silver linings and finding the bright side in all of this. We're choosing to do this because we want our lives back. 

  • seacretgardn
    seacretgardn Member Posts: 269
    edited December 2011

    Rachel, that's a fantastic attitude going forward, condemnation to the rogue cancer cells.



    I wish you minimal SEs tomorrow, and hope you are able to rest a bit tonight, difficult as it is with the decadron.



    Mardibra, here's to your news that you may not need a mx! And cheers to silver linings. I wish they could bottle your attitude and strength, and am grateful that you share it with all of us. I have to admit, I'm having a tough time even thinking about work, but you give me great hope that it can be managed, and with humor and grace.



    Capinva, I'm sorry you had to join this December group, but know you will find great comfort and acceptance here. You have already been through your first 4 AC txs, so you will offer great insight to many of us. I just had my first of 4 AC, to be followed by 12 taxol. Do you mind if I ask what reaction you had to the taxotere?



    To all the rest I hope you are getting some rest, my sleep all over the place lately, I find the couch more comforting, but not necessarily for sleeping.



    Night all.

  • maryhope
    maryhope Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2011

    Hello ladies, was not going to post yet, but I saw dlm217 and like her I'm starting chemo on the 29. So I felt like it was to soon to start posting. Wanted to see what Im in for, so thought I would jump in so I could say hi to dlm217. I wanted to let her know we start together!

    All you 40 something girls, my heart goes out too you, I'm a empty nester, and I tell people I think I can do this cause I don't have kids home!! Wishing extra strength for you with kids home.

    I do work and I'm 58. Im so happy I have found this post cause like you dlm217 I'm so scared as well! All of you who have started treatment, you are awesome people to me right now!! I think about all of you all day! Stay strong and I hope this nightmare will go fast for us all! (((hugs))) to u all!!

  • Mardibra
    Mardibra Member Posts: 1,111
    edited December 2011

    Good luck Rachel!!

  • rcm
    rcm Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2011

    Hi everyone...37 years old, 3 kids ages 3, 6, and 8.  Going today for tumor board meeting to find out my treatment plan and get full path report.  Don't know what stage but most likely 4 months of chemo, surgery, then radiation.  Was reading about the hair thing...just feel like it will really effect my kids.  I'm sure it will be upsetting to me, too, but that physical transformation will be really hard on my little ones.  Just preparing...trying to find some questions to ask today and I don't have any.  Just overwhelmed.  I'll be back later to post what I will be taking, but I know I will be starting asap.  Tricia

  • laurieloomis
    laurieloomis Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2011

    Hi MaryHope

    I too am an empty nester at 54 and starting chemo at the same time as you.  I'm glad we're all here to get through this together!

    mardibra...thanks for the humor about the hair Smile  Losing my hair..yup, that one Yikes!!!!

    best wishes all

  • laurieloomis
    laurieloomis Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2011

    Good luck today Tricia!  Bring someone with you today..I was so overwhelmed, I didn't hear half of what was said.  Atleast you'll know what you're up against to start this fight to a healthy recovery.

  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    Rachel good luck today! We are all with you hugging you!



    Welcome Tricia and Mary. Tricia I have a 6 and soon to be 8 year old. They are taking it all very well. They don't know that cancer is super scary yet. The hardest thing for them is thought of my hair falling out. The scariest thing for me is all the nasty germs they bring home from school lol.

  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2011
    Hi ladies, Im 40 have 2 kids 23 yr old daughter, 21 yr old son and a 3 yr old grand daughter that belongs to my daughter..... It really isnt that bad I swear, had hair down past my butt and now I have none LOL, its easy to get used to and it WILL come back,,, I told the little one that my hat ate my hair well now Im no allowed to wear that hat anymore haha.... I think they lied to me when they said i wouldnt have to shave my legs cause I still had to, all the other hair GONE!!!!!!! lol I finished my last chemo Nov 17th, surgery again tomorrow morning YUCK, mast this time so NO local reoccurance...... You will all get through this Bump in the road you are all beautiful and you all shine Wink keep your chins up and heads held HIGH
  • wildrumara
    wildrumara Member Posts: 450
    edited December 2011

    We actually had a head shaving party at our house....I am 43, three kids, 13, 11 and 8.  It made it so much easier on the kids and actually myself!   I let them each have a turn with the scissors and then they each got a turn with the clippers.  My husband bought balloons and pink cupcakes.  We laughed, and we cried a little bit too.  My daughter, who is 8, took it the hardest, especially when my hubbytook the clippers and got me down next to nothing.   Took lots of pictures that we will have forever.  I know some people who have had head shaving parties with lots of their friends and family in attendance.  I didn't want to go that far, but letting my kids partcipate was a great decision, at least for us. Losing my hair hasn't been a big deal to me....I don't know why, but it hasn't.  Hate my wig tho.  Rarely wear it.  Good luck ladies!! 

  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2011
  • naan1004
    naan1004 Member Posts: 520
    edited December 2011

    RCM, I was hesitant at first to tell my little ones then 5 yrs old and 8 yrs old, but all the literature says it's best to tell them at their own levels, I gave a little more detail to my 8 yrs old and i went to the library borrowed some great books that we read together that showed what they can expect like losing of hair mommy being tired a lot of the time and needing a lot of help.  It was the right choice for me, I wanted to take my girls to get my hair cut, but they decided they didn't want to come along and that was ok.  You go with the flow and see what they can handle.  Now my hair is completely gone, my older daughter keeps asking me to remove my cap so she can see it, then she says, "eeeeeeeeeeeeew"  but that's ok.  I know she still loves me.Tongue out

    Welome to all our newcomers

    Today is my second dose of AC, good luck to me and all others who will be with me today, wishes minimal SE's on u all.

  • naan1004
    naan1004 Member Posts: 520
    edited December 2011

    Terry, good luck with your surgery!

  • 3monstmama
    3monstmama Member Posts: 1,447
    edited December 2011

    Roughly at Thanksgiving, my mother (82) was diagnosised with advanced ovarian cancer.  After much arm twisting she was persuaded to move to where I live for treatment.  She arrived last Wednesday, met her oncologist that Friday and she starts chemo day after tomorrow (Thursday) with port placement in the am and first chemo in the afternoon. She will be receiving a cocktail of taxol and carboplatinum (sp).  The doctor wants to try doing big doses every 21 days

    I hope no one minds if I lurk around here.  The BC.org boards were a lifeline during my own cancer treatment and I haven't been able to find something specific to ovarian cancer that is the equal of this place.  To be honest, I'm not sure I have the energy to look much harder--I am feeling rather gobsmacked.  When I was diagnosised in 2009, there was no breast/ovarian cancer in the family.  As the last member of my gene pool, I skipped all the testing and wandered off with my ovaries for 5 years of tamoxifen which was going pretty well.  Now as I sit with Mom at doctor's appts and she talks about relatives I never knew, I am finding out there may be much more cancer in my family history...

    I figure I can keep up with your experiences and maybe get some tips for my mother.  right now she is feeling rather low about losing her hair

    Thanks.....

  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    Julie good luck today! Here's to minimal s/e!



    Welcome 3mon.

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