Has anyone started a Dec 2011 group?

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  • Sugar77
    Sugar77 Member Posts: 2,138
    edited December 2011

    Hi ladies - just popping in to say I know it's tough going through chemo through the holidays. Before you know it, it will be spring and most of you'll be done. I started chemo two years ago on Dec. 7th and I was just reflecting back on this time in 2009 and wanted stop in and post to hopefully provide a bit of inspiration. I'm sending you all good vibes for easy treatments and minimal side effects. Take care.

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  • maryhope
    maryhope Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2011

    Had a pet scan in the AM......Had to see my surgeon for consultation about the Port ( She told me I will be having bad days ahead of me, thought of all of you at that point)....Worked....No sun today in Chicago....Felt very down today!.... I think it will be a better day tomorrow :)



    Funny don't even know you girls, but I have been thinking about this borad often during the day, it helps me!



    Good night girls!! Mary



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  • seacretgardn
    seacretgardn Member Posts: 269
    edited December 2011

    Sugar, thank you. Your coming on to share your experience means so much.



    It is a rough time going through this during the holidays. Watching from afar as the rest of the world, the one I used to be part of and now feel strangely removed from, busily rushing to prepare, feeling like I'm a burden and letting down my family, to those d&mn perfect family Lexus commercials!



    Spring will never be so beautiful, or meaningful.



    Wishing you health and great joy this season.



    Laura

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

    Sugar - Thank you. Being at the very beginning of this, it's always good to keep hearing from those of you who can look back and feel good.

    MaryHope - I'll be thinking of you and good results from the PET. I hope the port is okay. Mine took a while to get used to. I hope the sun comes out and you have a low-stress Friday. Glad you're finding some help here.

    Laura - Yes, it is like watching everything from the sidelines. I hope you're able to get some holiday joy in amid all this stress. You're not a burden, and hopefully your family can realize this. The best gift you can give them is to give this fight your all and be ready to roll next year when the holidays roll around. And yes, I am so looking forward to spring.

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  • leftfootforward
    leftfootforward Member Posts: 1,726
    edited December 2011

    Hi there,

    I just wanted to give you all hugs. I was in the exact same place as most of you  at this time last year.  I am almost finished with my treatments and wanted to let you know that you really do come out the other side.  It isn't pretty but it can be done.  Best wishes to you all.  

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  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    Thanks Sugar77 and yorelh! Its great to have inspiration through this.



    I haven't tried to drink any alcohol yet because my tastebuds are so messed up. But I might have a glass of wine Saturday night at a Christmas party.



    I have total respect for those of you working through this!

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

    Day 1-4 are not bad for me. Day 5 is killer fatigue. Won't be moving from the couch.



    I love wine and had a sip last week and it was like drinking battery acid. If the margaritas don't taste good it's back to water and ginger ale for me.



    Thanks ladies who are one year out. I'm going to be hanging onto your every word for some time.



    Maryhope - good luck with the pet scan.



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  • 3girls
    3girls Member Posts: 94
    edited December 2011

    Hi Ladies, I am day 12 from my 1st AC I have my second this Mon. I feel very lucky that I have had minimal s/e. I have had a cold for 2 weeks and that has been the worst part. I am a RN and work 3 12 hour nite shifts so I am always Fatigued! I have been able to work and so far so good! Thinking of everyone and hoping everyone is doing well!

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  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    Mardibra I was afraid someone might say that...bummer.



    I forgot to mention that they called and scheduled an MRI for Monday.

    Hoping you ladies feel good today! I'm picking up my wig And doing some last minute shopping.

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  • Peacock
    Peacock Member Posts: 86
    edited December 2011

    Thanks, all.  I picked up my wig yesterday. The ladies at the store were friendly and positive, but I felt pretty grim about it all. Somehow the wig is just pushing me over the edge!

     I wore it last night to a little gathering (where I lasted 30 minutes), and it made me feel like I was broiling. 

     We celebrate both Hanukah and Christmas, but both are getting short shrift this year. It's hard (physcially) to make it happen -- cooking? Forget it!  And no matter how I try to fake it until I make it, the holiday spirit just isn't happening for me. 

    I'm grateful for so much -- including medical care, health insurance, family and supportive friends -- but I also feel a lot of envy for those who can make plans for a vacation, buy tix to a show being pretty certain they'll feel well enough to go, etc etc.  I try not to let that feeling out in public, but I knwo that I can here.  So thank you!!

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  • Gator65
    Gator65 Member Posts: 72
    edited December 2011

    Hi ladies!

    I have really been working hard this last week so I can take today - Saturday off for chemo recovery. I had my second AC treatment yesterday. Pretty uneventful, although I was feeling very queasy by the time I got home. Met some really interesting folks in the treatment room.

    I am very tired and just trying to stay ahead of the nausea which is not too bad at this point. I would like to report my chemo diet seems to be working as I have lost 13 lbs. The days that I feel good, I eat pretty well. LOL

    I have still not lost any hair, which I think is very strange as those of you who started at the same time as me are having shaving parties this weekend. I guess it will go when it goes.

    I hope everyone has a great weekend. Here is to minimal side effects! Smile 

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  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    Peacock what regimen are you on? I hope your holidays are happy and as relaxing as possible. I'm planning a vacation for my third week in February. I have to, the cold weather where I live is too depressing. If we have to stop every hour it is fine with me!



    Gator I hope you're feeling good today!

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  • seacretgardn
    seacretgardn Member Posts: 269
    edited December 2011

    Gator, good for you on the weight loss! My weight hasn't budged, I really have to be careful not to gain. I hope your SEs are mild. Didn't you have the ringing in your ears? Did it lessen or stop? Still have that.



    Peacock, picking up my wig, my wig? Today or tomorrow. I had placed an order through acs for a "halo"' and some hats which I hoped to have by tomorrow, just got an email that the gift card I used didn't process. Guess I'm going to have to get used to the wig very quickly.



    Markat a vacation sounds great, the cold is depressing although I have to be grateful, it's been mild in NJ so far this December.



    Maryhope, sending good thoughts your way.


    My divisional Holiday party is today, just don't feel emotionally that I want to attend.


    Hoping a good day for all.

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  • RachelsLife
    RachelsLife Member Posts: 16
    edited December 2011

    Just got back from getting my hair cut short (for the first time in my life....) - shed only a couple of tears thanks to the antics of 2 of my sisters who joined me :) And, the salon wouldn't let me pay for the hair cut when they realized why I was cutting it short - sometimes people make me smile!

     Rachel

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  • naan1004
    naan1004 Member Posts: 520
    edited December 2011

    Everything i said about not taking nausea meds, scratch it, OMG yesterday was my worst nausea day ever.  I took my meds on the clock and now am feeling so much better, who cares if there are SE's from the medication, take it like religiously until all signs of nausea r gone.  Yesterday thought I was gonna die, was so sick, worse than morning sickness.  Back to my old self now.

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  • laurieloomis
    laurieloomis Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2011
    naan..glad you're feeling better!!! hang in there girl, I'm right behind youFrown
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  • naan1004
    naan1004 Member Posts: 520
    edited December 2011

    thanks Laurie

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  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    Julie glad the meds are working. I took a ton of mine.



    Rachel the whole hair thing is very emotional. I got my wig today and it's beautiful. Wondering when it all will start falling.

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

    RachelsLife - I understand the hair issue. Though I have really gotten to enjoy my new cut (which will last about 10 more days I guess). But I've been trying real hard to dress up, wear great earrings, and focus on all the other things about me that make me beautiful. Good luck. And that was so nice of the salon!

    Naan - Hang in there and keep taking those meds. At least it sounds like things are getting a little better.

    I'm still doing okay, but I think I'll take those nausea meds (except mine says only 1 refill before next year, and it looks like they didn't give me all that much. Huh?) I worked about 4 hours, and took a nap on the couch in an office before heading to an evening event, which went okay. But I'm home now and ready to hit the sack. 

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  • seacretgardn
    seacretgardn Member Posts: 269
    edited December 2011

    Julie so sorry you were hit hard with nausea. Hoping you'll feel so much better through the weekend.



    Feeling housebound and miserable with these sores in mouth and throat. Hurts to eat drink swallow and talk.



    Does anyone know how long they last? I'm already on day 9 since tx.



    Praying they're gone before the next tx.


    Markat, so glad you're happy with your wig.


    Was sad tonight. My 27 yo daughter, who is pretty tough, broke down and cried. She said since all this started, she really sees the physical changes, and the reality has hit hard.


    I feel like I look like my gg, and that's still with my hair.


    Hoping for a better weekend, and all to feel well.

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  • Gator65
    Gator65 Member Posts: 72
    edited December 2011

    Good morning,

    The nausea train is rolling through my house. Day 2 of Tx 2 and I feel awful. I am piggybacking zofran and compazine and it is not touching it, Was not able to get any Emend this time. GD insurance company.

    My hair is starting to come out and I feel so sad. I know it it just hair and it will grow back, but it just makes me so sad. I feel very achey today as well. I have so much to get done and I just don't think that I can do it. I hate being weak. I am not a crier and all I have done today is cry.

    Cancer sucks! I hate that we are all going through this. 

    Peacock, my mouth was better around day 11. 

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

    I'm almost positive it's the Emend that is keeping me nausea free. Gator - plead for it!



    Had my second tx on Thursday and I'm feeling pretty good. Hair was coming out in clumps so had my hair shaved last night at my "hair be gone" party. I was pretty freaked out about the whole hair thing but soon came to realize it was inevitable...it had to go. So why not have a party so everyone could catch a buzz while I got buzzed? Lots of fun although I could only stomach half a margarita. I'm going to be such a cheap date when chemo is done...one drink and I will be all tipsy! I have about 1/8th of an inch left. A friends 10 year old daughter drew me a Christmas picture and made me a hair clip for my wig. How sweet!



    Honestly ladies, it wasn't that bad...you will get through it. I believe attitude has a lot to do with it. So chin up ladies! Hoping you all have minimal SE's this weekend.

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  • darlam
    darlam Member Posts: 66
    edited December 2011

    Hey everyone. Just trying to catch up. Much harder to be on here since I went back to work. Feel like all I do is work, sleep, and go to treatment. My DH says that's all I need to do....he has been great. We are having a very "minimal" Christmas this year, and it's really ok. Kinda enjoying opting out of the craziness.

    Going back to work has been tiring, but helps me so much mentally. At least I am not thinking, "OMG, I have cancer!" every minute of the day. My partners have been fantastic about rearranging the schedule so that I don't work for a few days after each TCH infusion. I was able to deliver my (step) great-grandaughter this week! So exciting and such a relief. I was so afraid she would come on a day I couldn't do it. Both mama and baby Olivia are doing great! 

    My youngest daughter is home from college, and suddenly there are cookies being baked and a tree going up...and all the things I am just not going to try to do. Christmas came home with Sara! 

    As awful as the nausea was the first week after chemo, the second and third weeks have been pretty good, other than just extra tired. Next round is Thursday. Dreading that nausea again. Forget Christmas dinner....won't be happening. Day 17 since 1st chemo...no shedding yet. Hopefully the cold caps are working?????

    Welcome to all the newbies. Don't worry about asking the same questions that have already been discussed. That is why we're all here. We can "tell it like it is" to each other, when that isn't always how you choose to/can handle it with family and others!

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  • seacretgardn
    seacretgardn Member Posts: 269
    edited December 2011

    Gator I'm so sorry. Damn ins. There must be a way for it to be covered. It's cruel to withhold something that actually helps. I hope this passes quickly for you.



    Mardibra I'm glad you could find some joy in what had to be such an emotional undertaking. Very inspirational!



    Picked up the "hair prosthesis" today. Hope it stays on better once my hair is gone. Ordered one of those hats with hair too. I'm sure that will be used more often.




    Still feel shaky and little weak, took my pulse, 113! I hate monitoring every body function for SEs. Feeling a bit like a hypochondriac.



    Thank you ladies for listening and sharing, for those of you struggling today, please know how much everyone here cares and cant wait for you to feel well.
    />


    Diagnosis: 10/11/2011, ILC, 2cm, Grade 2, 8/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

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  • naan1004
    naan1004 Member Posts: 520
    edited December 2011

    Thanks to all for your concern, yes I'm doing much better now that I'm popping the pills like clockwork. 

    Secret, talk to your onc about antibiotics, u might have an infection in mouth or throat, i took some for a week and it cleared up within about 2-3 days of taking antibiotics.

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  • seacretgardn
    seacretgardn Member Posts: 269
    edited December 2011

    Thank you Julie, I'm glad you're on the mend and the nausea is better.



    My throat is not hurting as badly today, everything feels worse at night it seems. She said to call if I run a fever or I can't eat. So far neither thing has happened.



    Getting anxious about the next tx. Seems many of you had a more difficult time the second tx.



    I'm sorry.

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  • laurieloomis
    laurieloomis Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2011

    darlam..it's great to hear from you.  I'm so glad I'm not the only one that can't seem to get in the Chrismas spirit, "minimal" is the operative word this year.  My girls and grandchildren will be home in a week and I feel so guilty that Ican't muster much enthusiasm!

    gator...cancer does suck!...hope the nausea subsides and you get a little peace this weekend

    hugs & SE free weekend to all

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  • maryhope
    maryhope Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2011

    Hi LAURIE...maybe your family will help keep you mind off the nightmare we are in. I hope for your sake! How many grandchildren are coming! I have none. My kids are old but not married yet. I want grandbabies!!!!! Will they all be staying with you for Christmas? Try to have fun and focus on them.



    RACHELVK...REALLY! They only gave you a small about of nausea meds, Omg! Thanks for that information. I will make sure my ONC gives me plenty. Sounds like are life line!!!



    DARLAM...What are cold caps? Reading about that. I've looked it up but not luck!

    SECRET....glad your thorat is better, that sound awful! Hope for smooth sailing on #2 :)



    Stay strong hugs to you all!

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  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited December 2011

    Darlam I'm glad you checked in!



    Is anyone else's face breaking out? Ugh...another se maybe?

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

    Getting zits too. Ugh.

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